Metallica said yesterday that it will let Yale University off the hook for allegedly aiding and abetting copyright infringement after the well-known US educational institution banned its students from using Napster, the controversial 'seek, locate, download' music software. Napster is the target of a copyright infringement, racketeering and corruption suit launched by the metal band last week. Metallica's suit also named a handful of leading US universities for failing to ban the software from their LANs. Ironically enough, some of the named institutions did ban Napster, but more because of its log-jamming effect on LAN traffic than any concerns over music piracy. Yale said it instituted the ban on Friday in response to Metallica's suit, but it denies liability. However, it did make the point of stating that it doesn't condone using Napster to rip off artists and bands. "We appreciate the prompt and responsible reaction by Yale University in dealing with the gross violations of copyright laws and the protection of intellectual property," said a statement from Metallica yesterday. ® Related Stories Pro-Napster hackers hit Metallica Metallica sues Napster