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RealNetworks has been fighting against the MPAA and the DVD Copy Control Association in court to prove that its RealDVD software is actually legal.  Real is saying that RealDVD does nothing wrong because while it does copy DVDs, it keeps the copy protection on the file that was on the DVD.  It simply allows for watching a DVD on a computer without the disc, and prevents users from sharing that file on a mass scale.  The MPAA and DVD CCA argue that it breaks the copy protection and aids piracy.

Real now has a better strategy than “no, it’s not.”  Real has filed a counterclaim against the MPAA and the DVD CCA saying that they violate antitrust laws.  Real’s reasoning is that the MPAA and DVD CCA work together to block any other legal use of the DVD copy protection they employ.  The two associations block any legal attempt to copy DVDs, and force anyone who wants to try making a deal to make it with all six studios in the MPAA and the DVD CCA, effectively making it impossible for any company to make such a deal.

The countersuit has Real looking for an injunction against the anti-competitive methods of the MPAA and DVD CCA, as well as compensation of lost sales following the injunction against the sale of RealDVD.

Real is certainly taking an interesting method to get it’s point across.  It seems obvious now, but labeling the MPA and the DVD CCA as anti-competitive didn’t seem right until Real pointed it out.  RealNetworks won’t give this one up any time soon, which is good, because RealDVD actually seems like a worthwhile program, especially now considering the rise of netbooks and its ability to share the files with up to five machines.  It would be a great way to watch a DVD on a netbook while traveling.

Read [Electronista]