Redbox accused of possible copyright infringement over alternate DVD artwork
As if the Coinstar-owned Redbox didn’t have enough legal headaches already, there is now some talk that it may be infringing on copyrights by creating its own alternate DVD artwork for its kiosks.
Warner Home Video, 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment and Universal Studios Home Video have all cut off Redbox from getting new release DVDs the week they come out, but the kiosk vendor has struck deals with companies like Costco to buy the copies it needs. One small problem has arisen from this solution, however: Redbox doesn’t receive the artwork it needs to put pictures on its machines to let consumers which titles are in the machine. To solve this new hiccup, Redbox has been making its own artwork which is as close as it can manage to the original, but this may mean it is infringing on the copyright artwork according to Pali Research analyst Richard Greenfield.
According to Video Business, Mr. Greenfield wrote up his concerns in a note to clients (registration required) that was sent out last week. Redbox spokeswoman Laura Dihel said, “Artwork created by Redbox is either original or is used with permission,” but offered no insights to how the artwork is generated.
While this is not any form of a formal accusation, and no legal action has been mentioned as being initiated, it is sure to be on the radar of the movie studios now to investigate. Redbox already has multiple legal battles running with the studios, and we’re sure the Hollywood companies would love to add to the kiosk vendors headaches.
Stay tuned for more of this soap opera that is sure to come.
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January 1st, 2010
Isn’t it amazing these myopic studios cut off an avenue of very large units sales over some belief those who rent from Redbox would otherwise buy their movies? Yeah, nuts.
From my BlackBerry Storm…
January 1st, 2010
How did they create artwork that alternates? Perhaps you meant alternative!
November 21st, 2011
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