Enrico
Digital Reg of Texas, is suing Microsoft, Sony, Hustler (Playboy) and Apple for a patent infringement related to DRM Technology, in particular “by making, using, providing, offering to sell, and selling (directly or through intermediaries), digital content incorporating DRM technology“.
The patent, dated 1998, is not exclusive to music data, and describes a system where “digital content such as text, video, and music are stored as part of a compressed and encrypted data file. Said content remains inaccessible until a user purchases or arranges for authorization of the content.”
THE POINT> We are talking about a patented technology that is covering what is now a very hot business model on the web: selling DRM protected data via internet.
IP FABER OPINION> It’s not a problem regarding only a small company: this is, or could turn out to be, a major case of patent infringement. Digital Reg is facing a tough battle against these giants, but in case of success…
(iTunes Plus, photo courtesy of Uninen at Flickr)
