Court: DVD ripping software 'illegal pirating tool'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A federal judge has ruled in a closely watched legal battle that RealNetworks' DVD copying software appears to be an illegal pirating tool.
U.S. District Court Judge Marilyn Hall Patel on Tuesday kept in place her order barring the Seattle-based firm from selling its software until she resolves the legal battle over copyright protections between the company and Hollywood studios.
The judge said it's likely that the studios will prevail with their argument that the software violates a federal anti-piracy law.
The $29.99 software lets consumers copy DVDs to computer hard drives.
The studios fear that if RealNetworks is allowed to sell its software, consumers would not be willing to pay retail for movies on DVD that can be rented cheaply, copied and returned.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments