Sales of RealDVD Still Banned

RealNetworks has had a tough go of things since it tried to introduce its RealDVD software to the public. Turns out the future isn’t looking any brighter. A U.S. court has upheld an injunction banning the company from selling the DVD ripping software.

Although Judge Marilyn Patel agrees individual DVD copying is legal given fair use principles, she warns that software designed to streamline copying and sharing DVDs is often illegal under federal law and that allowing sales may run afoul of that law.

Meanwhile RealNetworks is wasting no time reacting to the announcement. A spokesperson took to Twitter making the following statement:

We are disappointed that a preliminary injunction has been placed on the sale of RealDVD. We have just received the Judge’s detailed ruling and are reviewing it. After we have done so fully, we’ll determine our course of action and will have more to say at that time.

A formal trial won’t happen for another year. Is RealDVD dead in the water? Things are not looking good. What do you think? Should you be allowed to legally purchase DVD ripping software?

[Via Electronista]