We already reported about a possible fee (in Germany) on (HP) burners and other equipment 2 years ago. Also Fujitsu Siemens was summoned by the court to talk with copyright parties last year.
This is an ongoing battle in which the german court decided last year that HP must pay intellectual-property fees on CD burners retroactively for three years. Of course HP is still fighting this.
Today JimKiler pointed us to an article in the inquirer saying HP and others face a multi-million CD suit against Gema.
German newspaper Die Welt said that Gema is shortly to lodge a law suit against HWP and as many as 30 other manufacturers and importers to prevent copying of copyright material distributed over the Internet.
The paper estimates that nearly five million CD burners have been sold in Germany alone, and Gema, which is a music licencing company, estimates that the potential damages could amount to as much as €50 million.
The music industry is worried about the proliferation of CD burners and the subsequent pirating of music and other materials using the modern technology.
The list with the 30 manufacturers is not available. I guess HP and Gema couldn't reach an agreement which I already thought. Personally I think this it to much and that Gema is out of their mind and I think many people agree on this with me.
Source: the inquirer
