Triangulation

In a move that would appear to be an effort to bolster its legal position, 321 Studios is offering a reward for information about illegal DVD-copying with its products:

The major studios sued 321 last December, saying the company promotes copyright infringement by offering products that allow people to copy DVDs. Specifically, the suit claims 321 is violating the Digital Millenium Copyright Act by selling its DVD Copy Plus and DVD-X copy programs.

321 says it merely provides a product that will allow people to make backups of DVDs they already own, a practice that has been protected under a legal doctrine known as fair use.

The company said it’s committed to preventing illegal copying and uses technology that prevents consumers from duplicating copies of DVDs made with its software.

….”While we believe consumers should have the right to make perfect, personal-use backup copies of DVDs they already own, we are against the illegal use of our products,” Mike Wozniak, chief information officer of 321 Studios, said in a statement. “Therefore, we want to work with the entertainment industry and the government to prevent piracy, while continuing to protect, support and preserve consumers’ fair use rights and technical innovation.” [CNET]