Movie Studios Sue RealNetworks – DVD Copy

Once again the movie companies are out to stop copying of their DVD movies, this time suing RealNetworks. The studios claim that RealNetworks $30 software program, which allows the copying of movies, violates their rights to protect the movies. RealNetworks claims that their software does not infringe on the studios rights and that they have complied with studio standards. In an article from the New York Times, it also states that:

RealNetworks, the company behind RealPlayer software and the Rhapsody music subscription service, said RealDVD gives users the freedom to do things like make backup copies of favorite discs or take movies along on a laptop while traveling. It has argued that RealDVD is now legal because of a favorable decision last year in a case against Kaleidescape, a Silicon Valley-based manufacturer of high-end media servers.

RealNetworks also said that RealDVD conforms to Hollywood’s rules on DVD protection by encrypting the digital copies, which prevents unlawful online file sharing.

“We are disappointed that the movie industry is following in the footsteps of the music industry and trying to shut down advances in technology, rather than embracing changes that provide consumers with more value and flexibility for their purchases,” RealNetworks said in a statement Tuesday.

My opinion is that consumers should be allowed the right to copy their DVD’s and to make a backup copy of legally purchased movies. The movie industry has stated that this is not a right of the consumer. What do you think?

Comments welcome.

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