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MPAA sued over DVD screener ban

25 November 2003 13:42 by Jari Ketola | 2 comments

A group of more than a dozen small film companies sued the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) yesterday over the DVD screener ban imposed by MPAA. The ban prohibits MPAA members from distributing review DVDs or VHS tapes, or so called screeners, to anyone else besides the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which hands out the Oscars.

The small studios feel that the ban will limit the chances of smaller films receiving nominations or awards. That in turn will result in decreased funding for smaller studios. MPAA imposed the ban because it considers screeners to be one of the top sources for illegal movie copies. Small budget films, however, are rarely pirated, and could hence be distributed as DVD screeners in the future. But the ban doesn't make a difference between big budget blockbuster movies and small budget independent movies.

The lawsuit seeks at least $25 million in damages, and asks the court to rule that MPAA is using its position to restrict trade through unlawful and unreasonable agreements with its members.

Source:
The Guardian

Permalink to this article

Actor fined over Oscar screener piracy (24 November 2004)

Movie Industry to sue file sharers? (3 November 2004)

BAFTA voters to get secure DVD players (31 August 2004)

Encrypted DVDs to solve the screener problem? (17 June 2004)

Warner and Columbia sued actor over leaked screeners (29 January 2004)

FBI investigates Oscar screener leak (19 January 2004)

MPAA plans to appeal the screener decision (9 December 2003)

Indie group wins screener ban battle (6 December 2003)

DVD screener ruling on Friday (4 December 2003)

MPAA responds to screener lawsuit (27 November 2003)

MPAA: No screeners for other than Academy members (17 November 2003)

MPAA and Academy make a deal over Oscar screeners (23 October 2003)

LA Critics call off their awards in protest (20 October 2003)

Writers Guild opposes screener ban (14 October 2003)

MPAA's decision to ban Oscar screeners stands (10 October 2003)

MPAA bans Oscar screeners (1 October 2003)

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Discuss this article!
Dela (Staff Member) 26 November 2003 4:04
If they are all members dont they have an equal say? Did they vote on it no? Seem's very unfair to me that they can just impose a ban! http://www.BillLonero.com - Check out a true artists music! aD channel on IRC: rod.liquidirc.com #ad_buddies Newbie IRC Guide- http://forums.afterdawn.com/thread_view.cfm/47221 [ + quote]
loginasme (Newbie) 26 November 2003 7:05
it's good that groups of smaller company's are suing the bigger bullys. [ + quote]