Since 2001, one of the best ways to distribute big computer files on the Internet, such as feature films, television videos and the like, is through BitTorrent.

But the company’s efficient peer-to-peer technology has also been associated with illegal downloading of copyrighted material; in other words, piracy.

In a move that stands in sharp contrast to the litigious approach taken with Napster, BitTorrent recently announced a lineup of partnerships with Hollywood entertainment firms including 20th Century Fox, Lionsgate, MTV Networks (Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, Nicktoons Network, SpikeTV, The N, TV Land and VH1) and Paramount to post movies and TV shows on BitTorrent.com.

The studios and the Motion Picture Association of America have come to the wise conclusion that piracy is not going away. They need to work with companies like BitTorrent to provide better quality with legitimate content in order to stem the illegal tide rather than sue tech-savvy teens.