RealNetworks' '100% Legal' Ripping Software Not Really Legal - Enter Lawsuit

via Gizmodo


RealNetworks seemed quite excited about the upcoming release of its RealDVD software but we were rather sceptical about its potential.

The company had allegedly found a way around the Digital Millennium Copyright act by packing rips full of DRM and CSS protection and on its website claims that RealDVD is '100% legal'.

It seems as though someone hasn't done their research properly though as it is currently being sued by six major movie studios.

Concerned that consumers would simply rent and rip DVDs rather than buying them, thus stealing from their already overflowing coffers, a lawsuit has been filed with the US District Court in Los Angeles to recoup losses and have the software taken off the market.

"The incentive for the consumer is obvious and all but overwhelming." say the studios. "Why [he or she may ask] should I pay $18.50 to purchase a DVD when I can rent it for $3.25 and make a permanent copy?"

Real's response? "This is not a product that enables Internet piracy." Bob Kimball, general counsel for RealNetworks.

This one should be interesting then, and assuming Real has a little more clout to their argument than that offered by Mr.Kimball we'll let you know what happens next.