Today, songs purchased from Apple's online iTunes Music Store can't be played
on portable devices made by other companies. Songs purchased from many other
online music stores also won't work on iPods because they similarly use a form
of copy-protection that Apple doesn't support.
Johansen said he has developed a way to get around those restrictions. But
unlike his previous work, which he usually posts for free, the Norway native
plans to capitalize on his efforts through his Redwood Shores-based DoubleTwist
Ventures, said the company's only other employee, managing director Monique
Farantzos. An unnamed client will soon use the technology so its copy-protected
content will be playable on iPods, she said, declining to give any specifics.
"There's a certain amount of trouble that Apple can give us, but not enough to
stop this," Farantzos said Tuesday. "We believe we're on good legal ground, and
our attorneys have given us the green light on this." Apple spokeswoman Kristin
Huguet said the company did not want to comment.
