Utah-based ClearPlay developed software designed to skip over objectionable content on DVD’s. In 2002, the Director’s Guild of America, joined by eight studios, sued ClearPlay, alleging that the software infringes on copyright by creating unauthorized derivative works. For some analysis, see James Ball: Who Controls the Right to Create “Clean” Versions of Films?
Earlier this year, RCA started selling a standalone DVD player with ClearPlay software built-in. Now, Twice reports that a patent dispute is causing RCA to Stop Selling ClearPlay:
A Boca Raton, Fla.-based rival known as Nissim Corp. filed a patent infringement claim against ClearPlay on May 13. Nissim has developed a system called CustomPlay MediaCenter with parental control features.
