Hollywood Studios Win Injunction Against Streaming Service VidAngel

A U.S. district judge has granted a preliminary injunction against streaming service VidAngel on behalf of Walt Disney Co., Lucasfilm, 20th Century Fox Film and Warner Bros. Entertainment, who filed a lawsuit in June accusing the company of illegally ripping DVDs and streaming without a license.

The Provo, Utah-based start-up allows people to stream cleaned-up versions of movies including “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” and “Deadpool” for $1 each by filtering out unwanted language, sex and nudity.

In the complaint, the studios asked the court to block VidAngel from violating their copyrights, the L.A. Times reported.

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Having gained support from families and religious groups for offering sanitized films, VidAngel managed to bypass copyright regulations by allowing users to purchase new movies for $20.

Then the consumer could sell back the movie for a $19 credit — thus only spending $1 on a movie rental, which is far cheaper than other online rental services.

VidAngel’s lawyers claim they are protected by 2005’s Family Movie Act, according to the L.A. Times, and say that the studios just simply don’t like them altering their films.

On Tuesday, CEO Neal Harmon issued a statement regarding the company’s future: “The legal battle for filtering is far from over,” he said. “We are seeking a stay of the injunction, and are appealing the judge’s decision. But as we fight through the legal process, VidAngel will continue to be America’s home for family-friendly content.

“That’s why today we’re announcing the launch of VidAngel Studios — something we have been working on for years. Beginning in 2017, we’ll offer original family-friendly content, with technical innovations that will provide a unique experience,” Harmon announced.

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However, the court does not appear to agree.

“Plaintiffs have shown a strong likelihood of success on the merits of their claim that VidAngel has violated, and continues to violate [copyright law] by circumventing technological measures that effectively control access to Plaintiffs’ copyrighted works and DVDs and Blu-ray discs,” Judge Andre Birotte Jr. wrote in his order granting the injunction on Monday.

The concept of VidAngel was born in 2012 when brothers Neal and Jordan Harmon began adding filters to licensed movies on YouTube and Google Play.

“Producers and directors should have the personal freedom to create whatever movies and TV shows they choose. We condemn censorship of their content in the public sphere,” the company’s website proclaims.

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“But individuals, in the privacy of their homes, should have the personal freedom to watch that content in the way they choose. That right is protected by law,” the site continues.

“That’s why VidAngel does not claim to be a moral authority. We will never tell you what to watch or what filters to use when watching a movie or TV show. You have the choice to watch however the BLEEP you want. VidAngel just facilitates that your personal choice.”

Hollywood's Most Outrageous Lawsuits (Photos)

Between Lindsay Lohan firing back at Fox News, Mariah Carey allegedly short changing her domestic help, and Sly Stone winning millions after suing his ex-manager -- stars often turn to the courts to address their squabbles and strife.
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A former nanny for Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon filed a lawsuit on Jan. 28, 2015, alleging she was fired after showing the couple's kids too much affection and did not receive overtime pay despite working 100 hours per week.
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Legendary funk artist Sly Stone won $5 million on Jan. 27, 2015, after suing his former manager and entertainment attorney for misappropriating royalties owed him for more than 20 years.
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“Real Housewives of Miami” veteran Joanna Krupa slapped “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star Brandi Glanville with a slander lawsuit on Jan. 22, 2015, after Glanville allegedly accused Krupa of sleeping with a married man and c
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Octavia Spencer was awarded $940,000 in Dec. 2014 after claiming a weight loss company, Sensa Products Inc., wrongfully fired her from an endorsement deal and still owed her money.
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Former "Scandal" star Columbus Short was sued in June 2014 for allegedly knocking a partygoer unconscious during an engagement party.
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"Boardwalk Empire" actress Paz de la Huerta sued Lionsgate in Aug. 2014 claiming she was run over by an ambulance while filming "Nurse 3D." Lionsgate filed a motion to dismiss, which De La Huerta opposed on Jan. 23, 2015. Lionsgate then opposed her opposition on Jan. 30, 2015, in a seemingly neverending loop of opposing motions.
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Rapper Rakim Mayers, aka A$AP Rocky, was sued in civil court in June 2014 for allegedly assaulting a woman while making his way through a crowd during the 2013 Made in America Festival.
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Kim Kardashian and Kanye West filed suit against YouTube founder Chad Hurley on Oct. 31, 2013, claiming he posted a video of the couple’s surprise engagement to his website without permission. The process was delayed when Hurley’s reps filed an anti-SLAPP motion in an attempt to have the case dismissed.
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Jahmel Binion filed a lawsuit against Shaquille O’Neal in July 2014 when O’Neal posted a photo to his Instagram account mocking Binion, who suffers from a rare condition that causes facial abnormalities, sparse hair and missing teeth. Binion claimed defamation, emotional distress and invasion of privacy in the $25,000 lawsuit, and after pressure from the public O’Neal apologized.
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In 2014 singer Chris Brown was mentioned in a lawsuit filed by the cousin of artist Frank Ocean. The defendant claimed Brown and an associate allegedly kicked and punched him when he confronted them about parking in a spot designated for Ocean at a Los Angeles recording studio. Ocean, who was also injured, later said he wouldn't seek criminal or civil penalties.
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From embezzlement to slander, there’s no shortage of celebrity court action

Between Lindsay Lohan firing back at Fox News, Mariah Carey allegedly short changing her domestic help, and Sly Stone winning millions after suing his ex-manager -- stars often turn to the courts to address their squabbles and strife.

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Hollywood's Most Outrageous Lawsuits (Photos)

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