Archives

File-Sharing Networks Win Major Court Victory in Copyright Case

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on August 20, 2004 - 2:15am.
Los Angeles -- In a major victory for providers of peer-to-peer file-sharing software, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals yesterday upheld a lower court's ruling that said companies providing file-sharing software like Grokster and Morpheus are not liable for any copyright infringement committed by users of their software. The ruling will not impact other legal actions against file-sharing, such as the recording industry's copyright infringement lawsuits against individual file-swappers, or proposed legislation that would ban devices that "induce" copyright infringement. The same court earlier ruled that Napster's centralized peer-to-peer network did infringe copyrights, but said yesterday that Grokster's decentralized structure precluded the company from controlling the acts of its users. "The introduction of new technology is always disruptive to old markets, and particularly to those copyright owners whose works are sold through well-established distribution mechanisms," the court said. "History has shown that time and market forces often provide equilibrium in balancing interests, whether the new technology be a player piano, a copier, a tape recorder, a video recorder, a personal computer, a karaoke machine, or an MP3 player." The court also cautioned lawmakers considering legislation that would ban file-sharing networks. "Doubtless, taking that step would satisfy the copyright owners' immediate economic aims. However, it would also alter general copyright law in profound ways with unknown ultimate consequences outside the present context," the court said. An attorney for Kazaa parent company Sharman Networks told CNET News.com that the company would immediately ask entertainment firms suing it to dismiss their case, or else ask the court to immediately rule against the studios and labels.
tags: Law | File-Sharing | Victory | Copyright Case |

Virgin Radio and Napster to Offer Music Download Chart

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on August 20, 2004 - 2:14am.
London -- U.K broadcaster Virgin Radio said on Friday that it has teamed up with Napster to launch a download music chart based on Napster's online single sales figures. The underlying terms of the deal have not been disclosed, but Virgin Radio did say that it would begin presenting its Top 20 sales chart over the air on Aug. 29 -- just three days before the Official Charts Company introduces its own download chart on BBC Radio 1. Virgin Radio, currently owned by the Scottish Media Group, described the agreement with Napster as "the first step" in a "strategic marketing partnership." "As well as hitting our core demographic and having millions of listeners, Virgin Radio enjoys over 1 million unique online visitors a month, making it an ideal brand partner for Napster," said Napster vice president Leanne Sharman. Despite the partnership, however, Napster said it would still contribute sales figures for the BBC, which will draw its chart from sales across a range of online services.
tags: Downloads | Napster | Musics | Virgin Radio |

Microsoft Lays Off 76 From Xbox Unit, Discontinues Some Sports Titles

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on August 20, 2004 - 2:13am.
Redmond, Wash. -- Microsoft announced on Friday that it will lay off 76 employees within its Xbox unit and discontinue the development of some of its sports video game titles, the Associated Press reported. Titles to be shelved include "NFL Fever," "NHL Rivals" and "Inside Drive"; however, the company said it will continue to support development of sports franchises including "Amped" and "Links." The company signed a deal earlier this year to make its Xbox Live online gaming service compatible with developer Electronic Arts' popular sports games. Microsoft said it will attempt to relocate the affected employees elsewhere within the company.
tags: Sports | Microsoft | Titles | Discontinues | Xbox Unit |

MP3 Player Microdrive Maker Cornice Countersues Rival Seagate

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on August 20, 2004 - 2:11am.
Longmont, Colo. -- Cornice, a maker of miniature hard drives used in consumer electronics like MP3 players, announced that it has countersued rival Seagate Technology in response to a patent infringement claim filed against Cornice in June. The Seagate suit alleged that Cornice is infringing on six Seagate hard drive patents, and asked the U.S. International Trade Commission to ban imports of the Cornice drives into the U.S. In its counterclaims, Colorado-based Cornice asked the Delaware District Court to invalidate Seagate's patents, and furthermore said that Seagate's lawsuit is baseless and anti-competitive, entitling Cornice to unspecified damages. Cornice's microdrives are used in MP3 players made by Rio and iRiver. Scotts Valley, Calif.-based Seagate in June released a 1-inch, 5GB hard drive that it is targeting at the market for portable music players.
tags: Cornice | MP3 Player | Microdrive | Rival Seagate |

CVS Launches Digital One-Time-Use Camera with Color Preview Screen

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on August 20, 2004 - 2:10am.
Woonsocket, R.I. -- CVS/pharmacy on Thursday announced the launch of a new digital one-time-use camera line, which the company said includes the world's first disposable camera with picture preview capability. The camera features a 1.4 inch color LCD screen for instant review and deleting capabilities, letting consumers snap away and delete images until they get the exact shot they want. Other functions include a fully automatic flash, metered exposure control, and a 10-second self-timer feature. A second, new camera product from CVS offers all the same features but without the LCD preview screen. Both cameras hold 25 pictures and are fully recycled after processing. The camera with preview retails for $19.99, while the camera without preview retails for $9.99.
tags: Digital | Camera | CVS | One-Time-Use | Color Preview |