RealNetworks Fights Streambox

RealNetworks has filed suit against Streambox, Inc., maker of various digital audio software products. The suit alleges that Streambox Ripper, Streambox VCR, and Streambox Ferret allow users to bypass copyright protection when converting RealAudio to other formats, thus violating the Digital Millennium Copyright Act.

Although Streambox claims RealNetworks' goal is "preventing migration of digital media files from RealMedia to other platforms," a U.S. District Court today issued a temporary restraining order banning futher distribution of Streambox software. Streambox CEO Robert Hildeman feels that Real's tactic is "..unfair to both consumers and content providers."

RealNetworks will be ordered to pay Streambox $1 million dollars if the court finds the restraining order wrongfully issued in a hearing set for January 7th. In the meantime, Streambox will release new versions of its software, minus the ability to convert RealAudio.