RealNetworks has been fighting against the MPAA and the DVD Copy Control Association in court to prove that its RealDVD software is actually legal. Real is saying that RealDVD does nothing wrong because while it does copy DVDs, it keeps the copy protection on the file that was on the DVD. It simply allows for more »

MPAA and RealNetwork court proceedings started this week in a copyright lawsuit against the RealNetworks software system that allows consumers to make digital backup copies of their DVDs. Lawyers from the Motion Picture Association of America have won a petition to close the courtroom, but their testimony is to be based around the fact that more »

Back in September/October of last year, RealNetworks released a product called RealDVD. It sold about 3,000 units before Real was promptly sued by the MPAA. The MPAA wasn’t very happy with the idea of people being able to copy DVDs onto their computers and play them back without the actual disc. Real and the MPAA more »

In a very RIAA-like move, the MPAA has sued RealNetworks for a program that they claim allows its users to steal DVDs. The program is called RealDVD, which allows you to copy your DVD onto your computer or external hard drive for playback later. However, Real says that RealDVD has encryption that doesn’t allow users to copy or distribute the DVD files. Although, theoretically it is possible to get a DVD from Blockbuster, Netflix, or even a friend, copy it, and give it back.

“The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to five years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000.” So says the warning on all movies released since early 2004. Well, granted many get a bit of a chuckle every time they pop a movie into their player and see that flash across their screen knowing they’ve just downloaded it from somewhere on the ‘Net, but still…it’s the thought that counts. And apparently, the thought of RealNetworks is that they want to make it a little easier for their customers to burn those dvds; since they are coming out with a new product called RealDVD which allows users to burn a digital copy of the movie of your choice…ummmm..legally? Guess that remains to be seen. Because there hasn’t been enough chatter about the whole piracy/fair use thing lately.