Maximized Software releases new version of Internet copyright protection program; Web server program combats unauthorized copying of images

Business Wire, March 12, 1997

COSTA MESA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 12, 1997--Maximized Software, a leading developer of Web server utility software, Wednesday released a new enhanced version of its copyright protection software, Image Guardian.

Developed to protect proprietary images displayed on the Internet from unauthorized downloading and re-use, Image Guardian 1.3 bolsters its protection by strengthening its Java-based implementation method.

Formally only available as a bundled module in the SiteShield suite, Image Guardian 1.3 is now available for purchase as a standalone product for either Netscape or Microsoft Web servers.

Using the popular Java programming language, Image Guardian allows Web sites to display copyrighted images while discouraging their unauthorized copying. "Webmasters can now say to content providers that steps have been taken to protect copyright or trademarked graphics and images," explained Ken Spreitzer, president of Maximized Software. "Many webmasters need exactly this sort of program to give them a level of comfort before they post proprietary images.

"Image Guardian's protection is different from digital watermarking," Spreitzer further explained. "The biggest limitation of digital watermarking is that it does not prevent the user from easily copying and reusing the image and there's no good way to track when images have been copied. By contrast, Image Guardian is designed to discourage copying of images in the first place."

The issue of content protection is currently being debated on the Web, in corporate board rooms and in the U.S. Congress. At stake is whether or not existing copyright laws apply to electronic distribution and if Internet content is implicitly free for re-use.

"Most people who take proprietary images from Internet Web pages perceive their actions as harmless fun," Spreitzer said. "However, copyright owners are required by law to vigorously defend their property against any and all misappropriation as a condition of exclusive ownership.

"To the extent that these uncertainties inhibit full creative expression or force vendors such as artists and photographers to remove their works from view, our product is a welcome addition to Web server functionality."

SiteShield Web Server Software Suite

SiteShield is a comprehensive software utility that bundles together three component programs: -0-

--  Image Guardian, which allows webmasters to protect selected
    images with plug-and-play simplicity and prevent their re-use,
    without affecting on-line viewing.

--  WebJuggler, which lets Web servers easily provide different
    pages for different browsers, such as pages optimized for home
    users of WebTV.

--  WebReferee, which prevents content from being included on a
    different site via unauthorized "stealth" references.