MPAA sues RealNetworks over DVD copying software

Posted on Wednesday, October 01 2008 @ 21:52 CEST by Thomas De Maesschalck

The MPAA sued RealNetworks over RealDVD, a new piece of software that enables users to make copies of DVDs:

RealNetworks on Tuesday released software that lets people copy films on DVDs, sparking a heated legal battle with Hollywood film studios fearful of rampant piracy.

The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) rushed to federal court in Los Angeles and filed a lawsuit demanding that RealNetworks be stopped from distributing its RealDVD software and be made to pay cash damages.

"RealNetworks' RealDVD should be called StealDVD," MPAA general counsel Greg Goeckner said in a release.

"RealNetworks knows its product violates the law and undermines the hard-won trust that has been growing between America's movie makers and the technology community."

RealNetworks countered by saying it will file legal paperwork asking the court to rule that the software enabling people to copy movie DVDs is legal because it complies with a DVD Copy Control Association license agreement.

About the Author

Thomas De Maesschalck

Thomas has been messing with computer since early childhood and firmly believes the Internet is the best thing since sliced bread. Enjoys playing with new tech, is fascinated by science, and passionate about financial markets. When not behind a computer, he can be found with running shoes on or lifting heavy weights in the weight room.

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Re: MPAA sues RealNetworks over DVD copying software
by Anonymous on Thursday, October 02 2008 @ 2:26 CEST

Pardon me but did an MPAA General Counsel actually imply that there is TRUST between the MPAA and the general public? Oh boy has he been drinking the funny juice again. Nothing could be further from the truth. If the MPAA up and closed as an organization tomorrow, more than 50% of Americans, and probably 75% of the world population would jump up and cheer.

There isn't any trust. There isn't any respect. There is gouging from a group that supports folks buying multimillion dollar mansions and says they aren't being paid enough. They complain on billion dollar budgets that they can't "make do" and all those $ they expect the worldwide public to pay just to support their fancy lifestyle is making them the most hated organization in the world.

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