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 © 2026 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

TeamSkeet to Premiere New Series 'Under The Table'

TeamSkeet will debut its new limited series, "Under the Table" next month.

Brazzers Debuts New Series 'Bro Code'

Brazzers has released the first installment of its new limited series, "Bro Code."

Emma Rosie Leads Latest Volume of 'Oil Explosion' From Elegant Angel

Emma Rosie stars in the 10th volume of Elegant Angel’s “Oil Explosion.”

Arcom Targets 31 Adult Sites Over Age Verification

French media regulator Arcom on Wednesday announced that it is taking action against 31 adult websites that the agency says have failed to implement age verification as required under France’s Security and Regulation of the Digital Space (SREN) law.

Daniella Renae Headlines 2nd Volume of 'Big Tit MILFs' From Reality Junkies

Daniella Renae toplines the second volume of "Big Tit MILFs" from Mile High Media studio imprint Reality Junkies.

Private Releases 2nd Volume of 'Horny Women: Mid-Life Crisis'

Private has released the second volume of “Horny Women: Mid-Life Crisis,” directed by Xavi Rocka.

Charlie Forde, Mickey Mod & Derek Kage Star in 'A Surprise for Charlie' From Dorcel

Charlie Forde stars with Mickey Mod and multi-XMAs winner Derek Kage in “A Surprise for Charlie,” from Dorcel.

VMG Celebrates 10th Anniversary of 'Vixen' Imprint

Vixen Media Group (VMG) is marking the 10th anniversary of its flagship studio imprint, Vixen.

Gal Ritchie, Rissa May Lead Latest From Bellesa Plus

Gal Ritchie and Rissa May star in the new release from Bellesa Plus, titled “Double-Booked.”

Ivy Ireland Toplines Vince Karter's 'Back to Dark'

Ivy Ireland headlines reigning and three-time XMAs Male Performer of the Year Vince Karter’s latest Evil Angel directorial, “Back to Dark.”

Show More