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Real's Injunction Against Streambox Lifted
Zippy the Pinhead writes with some welcome news: "Remember the RealNetworks vs. Streambox case a few weeks ago? Well, the judge has decided to lift the injunction against Streambox. They can now resume developing and selling their nifty RealAudio tools."
According to this Yahoo/CNet link, Streambox can't distribute or market two of their three products for the duration of the trial. By looking at both press releases I managed to figure out that it's now OK for Streambox to distribute the Ripper, but not Ferret or VCR. It says as much in the Real press release, but it's buried way toward the bottom of the release and spun so it sounds like an OK thing.
So it's not the exact opposite, exactly. Both sides are claiming victory in a big way, but you have to dig to find that out. So remember, kiddies, never get all of your news from one source!
--
Someone you trust is one of us.
Here's the press release in question:
For Immediate Release
January 18, 2000
Landmark Decision
Favors Streambox
Judge's decision rules in favor of Streambox to continue sale and distribution of its most popular product, Streambox Ripper.
Decision allows consumers and content owners choice
in streaming media formats.
SEATTLE - Based on the ruling by U.S. District Court in Seattle today, Streambox, Inc. (http://www.streambox.com), a start-up with leading streaming technologies for audio and video files on the Internet, may now continue selling its most popular software product, Streambox Ripper. This decision, made by the Honorable Marsha Pechman, affirmed the right of consumers and content owners to convert RealNetworks streaming media into their format of preference. Ripper enables consumers and content providers to convert RealNetworks files into Windows Media, MP3 and WAV formats.
Today's ruling repeals a restraining order filed by RealNetworks (RNWK), which alleged that Ripper caused irreparable harm to RealNetworks.
"This is a big win, not just for Streambox, but for the entire Internet community," said Robert Hildeman, chief executive officer of Streambox. "Streambox feels that the Court made the right decision to allow consumers to be able to make their own choice on how streaming content is controlled by granting Streambox permission to sell and distribute Streambox Ripper. The Internet has always been about open systems, and we're proud to be a part of this landmark ruling."
Streambox will continue sales of Streambox Ripper on its website in addition to continuing development of enjoined products (Streambox VCR and Ferret plug-in) that put the control of streaming content in the hands of copyright owners as well as consumers.
"We will formally request RealNetworks to release the specifications on their copy switch, so we can include it into Streambox VCR," said Robert Hildeman. "Streambox strongly supports copyrighted content. We trust RealNetworks will come through and release this information so that all content owners can choose whether to turn the switch on or off. Previously, Real has chosen to keep this information proprietary."