Audible Magic Press Release
Audible Magic Joins Amicus Curiae Brief in Metro-Goldwin-Mayer Studios Inc. et al Vs. Grokster Ltd et al
LOS GATOS, California — January 24, 2005 — Audible Magic Corporation has joined with other high-tech companies in the filing of an amicus curiae brief with the United States Supreme Court in the case of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. et al vs. Grokster et al. The amicus (or “Friend of the Court”) brief provided the Court information about the application of digital fingerprinting and watermarking technologies to peer-to-peer (P2P) networks.
“We felt that we could provide relevant information to the Court about our technology,” said Audible Magic CEO Vance Ikezoye. “We believe that the use of digital fingerprinting can play a key role in the legitimization of P2P networks, which helps meet the needs of consumers while ensuring compensation to rights holders.”
The amicus brief was filed in support of neither party and did not take a position on the legal issues of the case.
“We’re a technology company, and we’ve provided factual, objective information to help the justices in their decision making process,” stated Ikezoye.
Major studios and labels sued Grokster, and Morpheus’ parent company StreamCast Networks, in 2001, contending they should be held responsible for illegal trading of copyrighted files using their P2P software programs. Lower courts ruled in favor of the P2P companies.
About Audible Magic, Inc.
Audible Magic Corporation provides content management and anti-piracy services to the media and entertainment industries as well as to business, governmental, and educational institutions. The company's offerings utilize patented content identification technologies and an extensive reference database of audio and video content. Its digital technology and services are designed to monitor, track, manage, filter, and monetize digital content in all of its forms. The company has been active providing solutions for the Web 2.0 user-generated content video sharing sites.
Audible Magic has long-term relationships with the major record labels that have registered their content in the company’s database that holds one of the largest collections of copyrighted digital song recording fingerprints in the world. Corporate partners include EMI Recorded Music, Palisade Systems, Sony/BMG Music, Universal Music Group, V2 Music, Warner Music Group, and EMI Recorded Music. Audible Magic’s technology is also employed by Grouper, iMesh and PlayLouder MSP music service. Other major market customers include over 70 educational institutions and the media manufacturing industry. Audible Magic’s products include the CopySense P2P Plug-In; CopySense Network Appliance, and RepliCheck.
The Company was founded in 1999, and it operates from offices in Los Gatos, Los Angeles, and Berkeley, California.
For more information, visit Audible Magic’s website at www.audiblemagic.com.
For more information, please contact:
Audible Magic Media & Analyst Inquiries
Sarah McMullenMcMullen & Company
310.283.7907
smcmullen@earthlink.net