MediaDefender Buys MediaSentry For $136,000 (Not $20M) 141
newtley writes "SafeNet paid $20 million for MediaSentry in 2005, but has just sold it to rival MediaDefender for a paltry $136,000, with a promise of more later. MediaSentry's new owner says the combination will allow it to 'dramatically expand its effectiveness.' Is it time for an official government inquiry into MediaSentry and the RIAA? A Chicago student said she was planning on killing herself because the RIAA promised her she'd land in court unless she paid almost $10,000 to 'settle' an alleged copyright infringement. She 'couldn't sleep, couldn't study, couldn't live a normal life because of the worry.' The RIAA 'evidence' came from MediaSentry, accused of operating illegally."
Re:Why? (Score:5, Informative)
The countries where it's reasonably safe to flee to, even with money, are extradition countries, so she'll be right back in the US in time for summer
I think you've mistaken a civil action with a criminal one. There's no extradition process that I'm aware of for debt collection. A judgment is just a piece of paper. It would be up to RIAA to find a way to collect on it. Given that she's a student and probably has no assets, good luck with that....
Re:The RIAA (Score:0, Informative)
Id like to point ou tthat the meme doesn't quite work unless its midsenta href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/scienceandtechnology/technology/technologynews/5105
Re:Why? (Score:3, Informative)
If you had RTFA you would have gotten the fun news that her parents paid the settlement so her threat was never really serious.
Re:Why? (Score:3, Informative)
They have tight security at most court houses to prevent things like this. Find the identities of the RIAA lawyers before the court date, stalk them to their homes, and then 'deal' with them (and their pets). The insanity and paranoia caused by the case could be a defense.
Re:Why? (Score:4, Informative)
One would think before you'd write a check for $10,000 you'd get some legal knowledge. A consultation with a lawyer would have been well advised. I'd repeat my earlier bit about her needing to seek some professional help too. If a civil lawsuit is all it takes to make her suicidal then she has serious issues and needs to seek treatment.