New York Judge Blocks Linux DVD Unscrambler
New York – A federal judge in New York has granted a request for a temporary injunction filed by eight film studios against three web site operators who posted software that allows users of the Linux operating system to unscramble and view DVDs on their computers.
New York Judge Louis Kaplan allowed the injunction after the studios sued to block distribution of the software. The defense is being represented by the American Civil Liberties Union and the Electronic Frontier Foundation, both of which say the first amendment of the programmers is being violated by this lawsuit. No trial date has been set for the matter.
The decision by Judge Kaplan only prohibits distribution of the software until a trial is complete, after which a final decision was made. But the situation looks bleak for the motion picture industry.
In his decision, Judge Kaplan said, "I don't think there's the slightest question that plaintiffs have a very good chance of success."