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RealNetworks Slammed with Lawsuit
Six movie studios are suing the company over its RealDVD software.
RealNetworks RealDVD
The newly released RealDVD software allows you to rip your DVD collection right to any PC.
October 01, 2008 | by Rachel Cericola

Well, that was quick. We just reported that RealNetworks was offering its DVD copying software, RealDVD. Now six studios want to take that magic away.

According to The New York Times, Paramount Pictures, Twentieth Century Fox, Universal Studios, Warner Brothers, Columbia Pictures, the Walt Disney Company and Sony have all filed a suit against the software maker, claiming that making digital copies violates copyrights—and takes away from possible download, rental or other revenues.

“As a company with a nearly 15 year track record of innovation that’s both great for consumers and fully respectful of intellectual property, we’re disappointed that the movie studios thought they had to file lawsuits,” said Rob Glaser, RealNetworks chairman and CEO, on the company’s blog.

Real markets its RealDVD for making personal, encrypted copies, stating the software is 100 percent legit. Kaleidescape got a pass, so how is this any different?

“RealDVD should be called StealDVD,” added Greg Goeckner, executive VP and general counsel for the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA). Zing!

The MPAA is seeking an injunction on RealNetworks. In the meantime, Real has launched a countersuit against the studios. It could get interesting. For now, you can still snag a copy of RealDVD for $30.



Rachel Cericola - Contributing Writer
Over the past 15 years, Rachel Cericola has covered entertainment, web and technology trends. Check her out at www.rachelcericola.com.



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