Sony BMG sues over DRM debacle

Music giant Sony BMG is to sue one of the companies involved in creating its digital rights management software for damages.

According to an article on Out-Law.com, Sony BMG has started a lawsuit against Amergence Group, previously called SunnComm International.

Out-Law.com explains:

"In 2005 software from SunnComm called MediaMax was included on some Sony BMG CDs. Designed to limit the number of copies of a disc that were made, it reportedly caused widespread problems with users' computers.

Security experts said that the MediaMax software created a directory on computers which could allow hackers to hijack a computer.

Sony BMG now says that the Amergence Group violated its deal with Sony because its software did not perform as it was meant to. The lawsuit accuses it of negligence and unfair business practices."

No mention was made in the article as to whether Sony BMG would similarly go after UK firm First 4 Internet. The company provided software called XCP, which was found to install a rootkit-like application on systems, and caused widespread dismay.