Fight the DMCA
September 12, 2003
Another Win Against The DMCA: Chamberlain v. Skylink

In one of the first major wins against the DMCA since the Elcomsoft Decision, a US Federal Judge has rejected a claim under the DMCA to outlaw a competing garage door opener. Judge Pallmeyer ruled against Chamberlain Group's argument that Skylink's universal garage door opener was an illegal circumvention device, stating that a homeowner has a legitimate expectation that she will be able to open the garage door if her Chamberlain transmitter is missing or malfunctions.

IP Justice has just released an information page regarding the landmark decision (Chamberlain v. Skylink). In the decision, the court denied Chamberlain's motion for summary judgment claiming that the Skylink garage door opener violated the DMCA.

The Court noted amici briefs filed by CCIA and Consumers Union, which pointed out the stifling effect the DMCA has on innovation and competition under Chamberlain's theory. The Court's Order, which denied part of Chamberlain Group's motion for Summary Judgment, is available here. Further case documents are available here.

Posted by Lisa at September 12, 2003 08:08 PM | TrackBack
Me A to Z (A Work In Progress)
Comments

On November 13, 2003, the District Court granted Skylink's motion for summary judgment, finding no DMCA violation and dismissing Chamberlain's claim.

Posted by: Andra Greene on November 15, 2003 01:20 PM
Post a comment
Name:


Email Address:


URL:


No free link advertizing is allowed here. If you post a commercial link in this comment you agree to pay me $500 per link pursuant to the Terms posted here. Type "AGREE" here:

Comments:


Remember info?