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

Kasey Kei Stars in Latest From Transfixed

Kasey Kei stars with Reese Rideout and reigning two-time XMAs Trans Performer of the Year Ariel Demure in the latest release from Transfixed.

Sarah Arabic Fronts 2nd Installment of Digital Playground Western 'The Drifter'

Sarah Arabic stars with multi-XMAs winner Alex Jones in the second installment of Digital Playground’s two-part Western, titled “The Drifter.”

Lilly Bell, Victoria Grant Front Latest From Transfixed

2025 XMAs Girl/Girl Performer of the Year Lilly Bell and Victoria Grant star in the latest release from Transfixed, titled "Telling Her Story."

Yhivi, Chanel Chance Lead Latest From Transfixed

Yhivi and Chanel Chance star in the latest release from Transfixed, titled "An Unexpected Craving."

Penny Barber Stars in Latest From Kink.com

2025 XMAs MILF Performer of the Year Penny Barber stars with Peter Hooke in the latest installment of Kink.com's "Divine Bitches" series, titled “Earning His Freedom.”

Pornhub Unblocks UK Users on iOS Devices, Citing Apple AV Effectiveness

Pornhub parent company Aylo on Tuesday announced that users in the United Kingdom will once again be able to access the popular site if they are using Apple devices and have confirmed their age through Apple’s U.K. age-verification process.

Penthouse Names Hannah Jo May's 'Pet of the Month'

Penthouse Magazine has named Hannah Jo as Pet of the Month for May.

North Carolina Weighing Tax on Brick-and-Mortar Sales of Adult Material

The North Carolina state legislature is considering a bill that would impose a new 10% tax on adult material sold by physical retailers in the state.

Nia Bleu Fronts Latest From New Sensations

Nia Bleu stars with Damon Dice in the latest release from New Sensations.

Kitana Collins Makes Her WIFEY Debut

Kitana Collins has made her debut for Vixen Media Group studio imprint WIFEY alongside her husband, Tyson, and Anton Harden.

Show More