Judge Extends TRO Against RealDVD

• Author: admin
• Filed under: Tech News
• Date: Oct 7,2008

Earlier I wrote about the temporary restraining order (TRO) against RealDVD, forcing RealNetworks to halt sales of the DVD-ripping product. On Tuesday, RealNetworks failed to convince U.S. District Judge Marilyn Patel to lift the TRO.

Patel said the TRO will not lift until she learns from experts, including the court’s, just how the RealDVD software works.

At least, as RealNetworks says, RealDVD rips DVDs to your hard drive, while maintaining the original DRM and adding another layer of copy protection. The copy can be transferred to up to 5 other Windows PCs, by buying additional copies of the software for $20 each.

As soon as the software was released, RealNetworks filed a pre-emptive strike against the top motion picture studios, only to see itself countersued by the MPAA later in the day.

Patel said explaining her decision:

“I am extending the temporary restraining order because I’m not satisfied in the fact that this technology is not in violation. There are serious questions about copyright violations. There are questions about violations of the (Digital Millennium Copyright Act), and violations of these companies’ agreement.”

Patel indicated she wouldn’t be available for another hearing until after Nov. 17. She also chided RealNetworks for not clearing up the legals issues prior to putting the product on the market.

More to come.