RealNetworks Files Preemptive Lawsuit Against Hollywood

RealNetworks released its new DVD ripping software, RealDVD, for download today, and with the announcement comes an inevitable lawsuit. 

But it isn't Hollywood that's making the first move.

To preempt legal action against its product, RealNetworks says it plans to file an action for a declaratory judgment against the DVD Copy Control Association, Inc. and a number of studios including Disney, Paramount Pictures, and NBC Universal.

Basically its wants the court to prove in advance that the product abides by DVD CCA standards, claiming that, among other factors, it doesn't enable distribution and that it both maintains original DRM and adds its own layer of protection.

The DVD CCA lost a case last year under similar circumstances against Kaleidoscope, Inc, a Silicon Valley video server startup.

The RealDVD software was unveiled at this year's DEMOfall Conference in San Diego and was met with initial threats from the major movie studios.

"We are disappointed that the movie industry is following in the footsteps of the music industry and trying to shut down advances in technology rather than embracing changes that provide consumers with more value and flexibility for their purchases," the release states. 

by Chris Snyder for Wired.com

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