In 2003 EFF applied for four exemptions to the Digital Millenium Copyright Act (DMCA) asking the Copyright Office to allow consumers to:

  1. Play copy-protected audio CDs that malfunction to prevent playback
  2. View foreign region-coded DVD movies on U.S. players
  3. Fast-forward through unskippable commercials prior to movies on DVDs
  4. Play and make full use of public domain movies on DVDs

None of the exemptions were granted.


EFF Prepared Testimony at Copyright Office section 1201 rule-making hearings presented by EFF Staff Attorney Gwen Hinze

Hearings on Exemptions from Prohibition on Circumvention of Technological Measures that Control Access to Copyrighted Works Docket No. RM 2002-4C

2003 Determination and Copyright Office Recommendation