Sony Sues Rootkit Maker

flyboy974 writes "Sony BMG Music Entertainment is suing the company that developed anti-piracy software for its CDs, claiming the technology was defective and cost the record company millions of dollars to settle consumer complaints and government investigations. The software in question is the MediaMax CD protection system, widely derided as a rootkit. Sony BMG is seeking to recover some $12 million in damages from the Phoenix-based technology company, according to court papers filed July 3."

Like a celebrity deathmatch...

[Whiney Mac Fanboy]

Watching this will be like watching a celebrity deathmatch between Kim Jong Il & George W Bush.

You're hoping there's some way both will lose.

Sony lawyers are shocked and surprised.

[140Mandak262Jamuna]

In a recent development the lawyers of Sony were bewildered. None of the documents they had on their computers relating to the contract and negotiations with MediaMax could be found in their computers. The lawyes were muttering, "cant believe it. I know I saved those emails and pdfs right in the hard disk. Where the hell could they be hiding?".

Re:Sony BMG does nothing to hurt their reputation

[arivanov]

With all these name changes, I wonder when Macrovision is going to change theirs. Probably on the day DRM is renamed as DCE as per recent industry execs suggestions. Digital Consumer Enablement.

I hope Sony read the EULA...

[sjs132]

"Section 938.334 Sub W.

By agreeing to use this product to proctect your music CD's from piracy you also agree to hold us immune from any lawsuits, incurred directly or indirectly, due to your customers not liking this product."


oops... Guess they should read those EULA's VERY CAREFULLY...

At least that is what these companies would say to us...

":{ Grr...

Re:I'm confused

[Craig Maloney]

I believe the formula works like this:

Sony releases DRM protected discs = -5,000 pts.
DRM Discs contain rootkit = -10,000 pts.
Sony denies any wrongdoing = -60,000 pts.
Sony realizes mistake = +100 pts.
Sony releases patch = +1,000 pts.
Public realizes cure worse than the disease = -5,000 pts.
Sony recalls discs = +10,000 pts.
Sony releases BluRay and PS3 = 0 pts.
Sony sues DRM Manufacturer = + 1pts.

So, in total, Sony is 68,899 points in the hole. I think its safe to say they're still pariahs here.

Re:Sony BMG does nothing to hurt their reputation

[KevReedUK]

Should that not be DCD - Digital Consumer Dis ablement?

Re:Sony BMG does nothing to hurt their reputation

[HTH NE1]

What matters is whether Amergence falsely represented the product they sold to Sony.

How? By saying, "DRM is effective," or, "It's completely undetectable"?

Re:Sony BMG does nothing to hurt their reputation

[HTH NE1]

If your phone didn't work, would you sue Alexander Bell or your phone company? Guess who you'd have more success suing?

I think you might be able to get a default judgment against Alexander Graham Bell [wikipedia.org] for failure to appear. But then, I don't think he personally has any assets to seize anymore. Of course, IANAL.

Re:Sony BMG does nothing to hurt their reputation

[BakaHoushi]

But Big Brother said it would enable us. You have been reported to the Party.

Also, we've always been at war with Eastasia.

Re:$12,000,000 is peanuts.

[mrchaotica]

Hey, could you re-post? I think your last word got cut-off; I couldn't see it.

Re:Sony BMG does nothing to hurt their reputation

[flight_master]

Also, we've always been at war with Eastasia.

I have reported you to the secret police. We are at war with Eurasia. We have always been at war with Eurasia. Remember that. Always.