xbiz world
xbiz premiere

French Court Disallows Copyright Protection

PARIS — A French appeals court has issued a ruling that prohibits the use of Digital Rights Management technology on DVDs. The ruling, in essence, bans the use of DVD-based copyright-protection measures. The case began when a French man was unable to copy a DVD of the film “Mullholland Falls” to a VHS tape. Such private copying is considered a consumer right in France, despite the possibility of abuses such as redistribution of copyrighted materials. With the help of consumer-rights group UFC-Que Choisir, the man sued film companies Les Films Alain Sarde and Studio Canal that produced the DVD. A lower court ruled in favor of the film companies, but the appeals court sided with the man, awarding him nominal damages of 250 euros (around $250) and giving the studios one month to unprotect all of its DVDs — an order that could cost the studios hundreds of thousands of dollars. In its decision, the court cited the fact that the man had intended the copy for his private use; however, the court made no provision for protection against commercial uses of copied material. The court also chastised the film companies for not providing a prominent “copyright protected” label on the DVD case. A representative of UFC-Que Choisir said the organization plans to use the court’s decision to pursue action against other DVD makers. Jean-Yves Mirski, delegate general of France’s Video Producer’s Association, called the decision worrisome and said it “directly contradicts the European Copyright Directive.” He added that his group may appeal the decision after a thorough review. This is not the first time French courts have rejected conventional wisdom regarding electronic media, freedoms and copyrights. In January, a French court ruled that Google could not sell trademark names as keywords. More recently, French security researcher Guillaume Tena was fined 5,000 euros for posting a warning about a software security hole he had discovered through reverse engineering.

Copyright © 2024 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

MixedX Releases 'The Secret Examination'

MixedX has released "The Secret Examination," starring Angelika Grays and Lia Lin.

Texas Judge Pauses AG Ken Paxton's Aylo Lawsuit Until SCOTUS Decision

A Texas district judge granted a request Wednesday to pause proceedings in the lawsuit filed by Attorney General Ken Paxton against Aylo over its implementation of Texas’ controversial age verification requirements for Pornhub, pending the outcome of the Free Speech Coalition-led lawsuit against Paxton, which will be heard by the Supreme Court during the next term.

Haley Davies Toplines 'Hardcore Bombshells 2' From Hard X

Haley Davies headlines the second volume of "Hardcore Bombshells," from X Empire studio brand Hard X.

Ella Reese Headlines 'I Can't Help It 4' From Bellesa

Ella Reese toplines the fourth volume of "I Can't Help It," from Bellesa.

Author of UN Report Recommending Worldwide Criminalization of Sex Work, Porn to Speak at NCOSE Summit

Jordanian activist Reem Alsalem, a special rapporteur on violence against women and girls at the United Nations Human Rights Council who recently issued a controversial report recommending that governments abolish all forms of sex work, including porn, will speak at anti-porn lobby NCOSE’s 2024 summit in August.

Melody Mynx Stars in Latest From MYLF

Melody Mynx stars with Trinity Olsen and Nicky Rebel in the latest release from MYLF, titled "Anal Dare."

Derek Hay Sentencing Hearing: Performers Give Impact Statements

The first day of the sentencing hearing for LA Direct Models’ Derek Hay, who pleaded guilty in May to one charge of conspiracy to commit pandering and a charge of perjury, took place in Los Angeles Wednesday.

Asia Belle Stars in 'The Ex-Girlfriend' From GroobyVR

Asia Belle stars in the latest POV release from GroobyVR, titled "The Ex-Girlfriend."

Jonni Darkko Marks 20th Anniversary With Evil Angel

Jonni Darkko is marking his 20th anniversary working with Evil Angel with two new releases, "Sheena Shaw Ultimate Anal Queen," and "Suck Balls 6."

Pornhub Shuts Down Access in Nebraska Over Age Verification

Aylo began blocking access to Pornhub in Nebraska on Monday, in anticipation of the state’s new age verification law — one of many such bills promoted by religious conservatives around the country — which is scheduled to go into effect Thursday.

Show More