Microsoft Sues FairUse4WM, Windows Media DRM Remover, Developer
By Angsuman Chakraborty, Gaea News NetworkMonday, October 2, 2006
Microsoft Corp. has sued an anonymous computer hacker whose free program FairUse4WM allows users to copy digital movies and songs by bypassing a software protection (DRM) built into the company’s Media player.
Microsoft charges that the hacker with alias “Viodentia” has illegally obtained proprietary source code (of Microsoft) to create FairUse4WM.
The lawsuit seeks a permanent injunction as well as unspecified compensatory and punitive damages.
“This software program enables users to alter or remove Microsoft’s DRM from Windows Media files (i.e. it allows users to wrongfully access or copy a copyrighted music or movie file,” the company said in its lawsuit filed in U.S. District Use in Seattle.
But a person using the identity Viodentia said in a Web posting the program has never involved Microsoft source code. The programmer also said in an online interview with Engadget that the lawsuit was a “fishing expedition to get identity information” in a bid to bring more lawsuits. Link
In all fairness Microsoft is fighting a losing battle.
