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 © 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

Addis Fouché on Intellect, Intention and Humanizing Sex Work

The red braids are often what people notice first.

FTC Weighs Reboot of 'Click to Cancel' Rulemaking Process

The Federal Trade Commission has invited public comments on a petition to renew trade regulation rulemaking concerning negative option plans, after a federal court previously vacated a “click-to-cancel” rule aimed at making it easier for consumers to cancel online subscriptions.

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

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

Vixi Rafi Is Hustler's 'Cover Honey' for January

Vixi Rafi is the Cover Honey for the January issue of Hustler Magazine and appears in a 14-page centerfold spread shot by Davide Esposito.

Siri Dahl Featured in Pornhub's 'Model Spotlight'

Siri Dahl is featured in Pornhub’s latest “Model Spotlight” blog.

Brandi Johnson Makes Her WIFEY Debut

Brandi Johnson stars with her husband Daniel, Dan Damage, and Goldey in the latest release from Vixen Media Group studio imprint WIFEY.

Richelle Ryan, Vince Karter Star in Christmas-Themed Release From New Sensations

Richelle Ryan and multi-XMAs winner Vince Karter star in the latest release from New Sensations.

Toby Dick Drops New Evil Angel Release With Baby Kxtten

Baby Kxtten stars in a new Evil Angel scene alongside director/performer Toby Dick.

New Federal Bills Aim to Repeal Section 230

Members of Congress this week introduced two bills calling for the repeal of Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which protects interactive computer services — including adult platforms — from liability for user-generated content.

Cherry Kiss Talks Perfectionism, Pressure and Loving the Grind

Cherry Kiss was en route to Exxxotica New Jersey when she learned she had received her green card. Fittingly, she had just landed at an airport in New York — home to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. After successfully navigating the naturalization process, which she describes as “hard work,” she felt grateful for the friends who helped her with all the paperwork, and has since been trying to pay it forward by helping other friends with their U.S. visa applications.

Show More