You may recently have read reports concerning the objection many games publishers have made to the 321 Software developed Game Copy-X, a piece of software which makes burning DVD copies of games a doddle - all in the name of legitimate 'backing-up'. Naturally, the games publishers fear that such software assists gamers in breaching copyrights, illegally copying software, etc. It appears that a court in LA agrees with this sentiment too in ruling against 321's similarly inspired piece of software DVD Copy-X - which enables 'back-ups' of movies.

The California court sided with the Motion Picture Association of America against 321 Software, and have given the developer seven days to stop selling the product. 321 Software issued this defiant statement, claiming they will continue this tussle: "There is no difference between making a copy of a CD for personal use and making a backup of a DVD for personal use," retorted Robert Moore, president of 321 Studios. "We are so firm in our belief in the principle of fair use that we will appeal this ruling immediately. And we will take our fight all the way to the Supreme Court, if that's what it takes to win."

"Companies have a responsibility to develop products that operate within the letter of the law and that do not expose their customers to illegal activities," enthused Jack Valenti of the Motion Picture Association of America. 321's Attorney Jason Schultz meanwhile rebuked this enforcement of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, arguing "I don't think anyone expected that this law would be used so severely to cut back on consumers' rights to use things they own or bought."

Clearly this is the most controversial of copyright arguments for some time, and it is obvious that these legal proceedings could well run and run. This first-round result may also encourage games firms to persue Game Copy-X in a similar fashion.

By Luke Guttridge

Comments

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  1. Rich Unregistered 5 years ago

    Piracy has been arround since the introduction of currency.

    There will always be new methods, better encryption, faster computers.

    The underground methods leak, you secure them, new methods are created... they leak... you secure them...

    The perpetual cycle of FREE STUFF!

  2. chuck Unregistered 5 years ago

    My windows disk is scratched, so I should fork over another
    hundred bucks maybe? What did I buy?

  3. Jaime Unregistered 5 years ago

    There are ways around everything they try. If DVD x Copy is banned, then people can always find other methods. One method is using a stand alone recorder with FacetVideo's Macrovision buster; or DVD shrink with Nero as abruno suggested. If the MPAA don't like piracy, then don't blame the consumer. Blame the actors making millions and Spielberg for his fees. No actor or producer needs that kind of money. There was a commercial about piracy and a videostore clerk asked who will pay for his glasses. Don't look at me buster! Ask Tom Hanks to fork over some of the $20 million he makes per movie, not me! Bottom line: If DVDs were cheaper, then people wouldn't pirate them.

  4. spikiey Unregistered 5 years ago

    making backups of software you have bought for your own personel use is not piracy, it is your right and I urge everyone to continue to backup there software

  5. juio Unregistered 4 years ago

    what is the penalty for copying a copywrited movie

  6. juio Unregistered 4 years ago

    what is the penalty for copying a copywrited movie .I cant believe the fbi would prosecute someone for copying a movie for their own personal use.

  7. John Unregistered 2 years ago

    I think Hollywood alresdy makes enough money on it's films.Now they are trying to interfere with peoples rights pertaining to something they have purchased and now bolongs to the individual.Typical