Blizzard Vs MDY: Glider Copyright Infringement Proven
KeyWord: Blizzard, Glider, Copyright Date: 07-16-2008
Summary: The website of Tentonhammer has released an article about the issue of Blizzard v. MDY suit. MDY is the makers of Glider, the post popular WoW bot software. A a major judgment has come down in Blizzard\'s favor.
It\'s proven, Glider is copyright infringement.
The website of Tentonhammer has released an article about the issue of Blizzard v. MDY suit. MDY is the makers of Glider, the post popular WoW bot software. A a major judgment has come down in Blizzard\'s favor. The two important parts of the judgment are these:
The Court reaches the following conclusions on the basis of undisputed facts, construction of the EULA and TOU, and controlling Ninth Circuit law: Blizzard owns a valid copyright in the game client software, Blizzard has granted a limited license for WoW players to use the software, use of the software with Glider falls outside the scope of the license established in section 4 of the TOU, use of Glider includes copying to RAM within the meaning of section 106 of the Copyright Act, users of WoW and Glider are not entitled to a section 117 defense, and Glider users therefore infringe Blizzard\'s copyright.
and
The following facts are not disputed: MDY knowingly aids WoW players in breaching their contracts with Blizzard; MDY assists the players in gaining an advantage over other WoW players; MDY enables players to mine the game for their own financial benefit and in direct violation of the TOU; MDY assists players in avoiding detection by Blizzard, and does so in a way designed to place Blizzard at risk. The second factor concerns MDY\'s motive. That motive is clear, profit. MDY\'s business strategy is not to accept and honor the pre-existing contract between Blizzard and its customers, but to take advantage of that relationship for MDY\'s financial gain.
So what does all that legalese mean? Basically it boils down to Blizzard has a copyright and Terms of Service (a contract with its customers), Glider by the way it works violates that copyright and Terms of Service. In addition, it does it in a way that causes risk of damage for Blizzard and it is solely motivated by profit. In essence, Blizzard wins.
