I hate DRM (digital rights management). Not because I’m so much against the intent, but it almost always makes my life harder in some way, shape or form. 

Anything that keeps me from storing or consuming media that I own when and where I want to is particularly bothersome. For that very reason I couldn’t help but smile when this headline came across my desk. 

Warner Bros. Studios, along with Technicolor and Deluxe, are named in patent infringement lawsuits filed both in New York and Germany on behalf of Medien Patent Verwaltung (MPV). 

As the story goes, Medien pitched technology to Warner Bros., under confidentiality agreement, that would allow them to track any pirated movie directly to its point-of-origin. The original pitch occurred in 2003 and Warner began using the technology, without compensating Medien, as early as 2004. 

“We disclosed our anti-piracy technology to Warner Bros. in 2003 at their request, under strict confidentiality, expecting to be treated fairly,” MPV says in a statement. “Instead, they started using our technology extensively without our permission and without any accounting to us. However, we had taken care to obtain patents to protect MPV’s technology, and we are now in a position where we must assert our rights.”

US District Court Complaint

[Via THR, Esq.]

Stephen Hopkins

Stephen Hopkins is chief technology editor for EH Publishing. He writes product reviews, features, and focuses heavily on 3D TV, iPhone and iPad apps, and digital content.