STREAMBOX UNWELCOME
IN THE HOUSE
Doesn’t Play Nice
According to the suit, which was filed Sept. 18 in U.S. District Court in Central California, "Streambox's Web site includes a hyperlinked music concert index that provides access to hundreds of HOB's streaming media files, bypassing HOB's Web site, trademarks and advertisements. This action arises from Streambox's unauthorized access to and use of HOB's archived music concert videos via unauthorized access to Internet server computers owned by HOB and its business partners."
The suit lists 14 causes of action against Streambox, including trespass, violation of the computer fraud and abuse act, violation of the electronic communications privacy act, conversion, theft, fraud, unjust enrichment, tortuous interference with contract, removal of copyright management information, federal trademark infringement, palming off, dilution, federal unfair competition, unfair business practices and poor dental hygiene.
HOB claims that Streambox "hacks" its way into its computers in order to link to HOB content, and then strips away the identifying copyright information and places the its own logo next to HOB's. The company has also taken issue with Streambox's "Ripper" software, which allows users to capture, store and pass along streamed content.
Earlier this month, the Seattle-based Streambox settled with Real Networks for an undisclosed amount. Terms of that settlement include licensing Real's software, agreeing to adhere to its copyright protections, and discontinuing its "Ferret" program, which modified the functionality of the Real Player.
