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 © 2025 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

Taylor Vixxen Stars in Latest From TeamSkeet

Taylor Vixxen stars in a new scene for TeamSkeet, titled “‘Cheat? But It's My Anniversary!’ My Stepmom’s Filthy Secret.”

Andylynn Payne Headlines Latest From TransSensual

Andylynn Payne stars with Cliff Jensen in the second scene from the TransSensual title “TS Doctor’s Office,” titled "Doctor’s Room."

Cubbi Thompson Stars in Latest From Jules Jordan

Cubbi Thompson stars with Manuel Ferrara in the latest release from Jules Jordan.

Octokura, Matty Mila Star in Latest From Parasited

Octokura and Matty Mila star in “The One That Excites” from Parasited, directed by Roberto Di Suna.

Dorcel Premieres Casey Calvert's 'Connection'

Multi-XMAs winner Casey Calvert directs “Connection,” the latest release from Dorcel.

Bree Brooks Makes Her WIFEY Debut

Bree Brooks stars with her husband Bob, Jax Slayher, and Sheem in the latest release from Vixen Media Group studio imprint WIFEY.

Katalina Kyle Toplines Jonni Darkko's 'Throat Fucks 9'

Katalina Kyle headlines Jonni Darkko's "Throat Fucks 9," from Evil Angel.

Elegant Angel Drops Final Installment of 'Lilly Loves Girls'

Elegant Angel has released the final installment of 2025 XMAs Girl/Girl Performer of the Year Lilly Bell's showcase “Lilly Loves Girls,” titled “Lilly Loves Vanna.”

Adult Time Drops Latest Installment of Jim Powers' 'MILF Overload'

Adult Time has released the latest installment of director Jim Powers' series "MILF Overload."

Ivy Lebelle Stars in Latest From Ricky's Room

Ricky's Room contract star Ivy Lebelle stars in the studio's latest release, titled "Latex And Lust."

Show More