Copy-protection company Macrovision said Wednesday that it sued DVD-copying
software producer 321 Studios, joining the movie industry in a legal fight
against the small software maker.
Macrovision claims that by making copies of DVDs, 321’s software also is
copying Macrovision’s own patented anticopying technology, which guards against
a different copying process.
“This lawsuit is based on a fundamental cornerstone of the American economic
system–protection of intellectual capital,” Macrovision Chief Executive Officer
Bill Krepick said in a statement. “It is ironic that 321 Studios itself employs
a sophisticated mechanism to prevent people from making illegal copies of its
software, while at the same selling products that aid in the theft of the
intellectual property created by moviemakers.”
Hollywood’s lawsuit against 321 remains one of the most closely watched
outstanding intellectual property cases.
The studios argue that the company’s software, which makes virtually perfect
copies of DVDs, violates the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, which forbids
distribution of tools that break through digital copyright locks. A handful of
other companies that produce similar products also have been sued.
Although initial arguments in the case were heard last May, both sides are
still waiting for a judge to decide whether an injunction should block sales of
the software, which is available in stores such as CompUSA. The decision could
come at any time.
Executives at 321 Studios said they had not seen the lawsuit, nor had they
been contacted by Macrovision.
“Macrovision is a company that manufactures an analogue copy-protection
device that has absolutely nothing to do with anything of 321 Studio’s
products,” 321 President Robert Moore said. “We are puzzled by Macrovision’s
press release today and disappointed that the company officers did not contact
321 Studios directly to clear up any misperceptions or confusion they have about
our product.”
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