US backs Apple in DRM

The US government is backing Apple's stance on a draft French law that may force the company either to open up its FairPlay digital rights management (DRM) technology in iTunes or pull out of the country. US Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez backed angry protests by Apple, saying that companies need to protect their intellectual property: "But any time something like this happens, any time that we believe that intellectual property rights are being violated, we need to speak up and in this case, the company is taking the initiative," Gutierrez said on CNBC. "I would compliment that company because we need for companies to also stand up for their intellectual property rights." The proposed law was passed by the lower house in France, but still needs to be debated and passed in the French Senate. Apple responded to the passing of the draft law, calling it "state-sponsored piracy" and said that if this happens, legal music sales will plummet just when legitimate alternatives to piracy are winning over customer." However, some analysts believe the law may actually increase iPod sales, if Apple opens up its FairPlay DRM.

"If we all do that, have the government work with other governments, have companies defend and protect their own intellectual property, then we'll be able to make more progress on a worldwide basis," Gutierrez said.

by MacNN Staff