Oz's first antipiracy case on docket

DVD retailer Minotaur accused of parallel importing

By DON GROVES

SYDNEY -- Australia's antipiracy org has launched its first court case against a retailer accused of the unauthorized importing and sale of DVDs from the U.S.

The Australian Federation Against Copyright Theft went to the Federal Court after Minotaur (Entertainment) refused to stop the practice.

AFACT said the Melbourne store, which also sells through the Internet, releases DVDs before they are available from authorized distribs and, in some cases, before the films' theatrical bow in Oz.

It claimed Minotaur charges up to twice the price of local copies.

Known as parallel importing, the practice has a "significant and immeasurable impact on local theaters and video stores," according to AFACT.

The case is listed for hearing on Dec. 15.