SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — RealNetworks Inc. has settled lawsuits with six movie studios that sought to stop it from selling technology that let consumers copy DVDs to their computers.
Under the settlement terms, which were announced Wednesday, RealNetworks can’t sell its RealDVD product or other similar technology, the company said.
Walt Disney Co., Sony Corp. and others sued RealNetworks in 2008, arguing RealDVD is an illegal pirating tool that would stop consumers from buying movies on DVD that they could cheaply rent, copy and return.
RealNetworks will also withdraw an appeal it filed after a judge barred the company from selling RealDVD in August.
The company will pay $4.5 million to the studios for litigation costs and refund purchases of about 2,700 customers who bought the product.
