The RIAA is a trade group of musicians and record labels. They seek to '...represent the US Recording Industry.' Viewed as a corporation, the RIAA is without a doubt a monopoly. They themselves state that 'RIAA members create, manufacture and/or distribute approximately 90% of all legitimate sound recordings produced and sold in the United States.'
The RIAA nominally has an altruistic mission, to protect its members. Semantically, though, it's actions are self-perpetrating. By insuring the success of it's patrons, it insures it's own success. They work to protect copyrighted material and 'intellectual property' around the world, despite the fact that they are 'of America'. They certify record sales status: gold, platinum, multi-platinum, and diamond.
In an attempt to appeal to people outside the US, they have recently started Los Premios De Oro y Platino. An award for Latin music.