A maker of software that enabled users to copy DVDs and computer games folded Tuesday under the mounting weight of lawsuits by deep-pocketed movie studios and video game producers. In a posting on its Web site, 321 Studios Inc. quietly announced "it has ceased business operations including, but not limited to, the sale, support and promotion of our products."
The company said that despite its "best efforts to remain in business," unfavorable court rulings by three federal courts this year assured its demise. "The employees and those associated with 321 Studios sincerely appreciate your support of our company and products over the last couple of years," said the statement by the "321 Studios Team." The company, based in the St. Louis suburb of St. Charles, warned in June that it could seek federal bankruptcy protection to free itself of copyright-related lawsuits by Hollywood and makers of computer games.