Hate Starforce? Want to sue them? Well, Christopher Spence has already done it on your behalf. Christopher has filed a $5M class action lawsuit against Ubisoft for using Starforce DRM in their games, and if he wins, you’ll be entitled to collect if you’ve ever had your system infected by Starforce.

Chris’ complaint: From the class action complaint itself, filed on March 26, 2006:

Starforce DRM can compromise Windows operating systems’ security. Any virus or trojan can control a computer by and through the Starforce DRM installed on the computer, despite the security measures taken in newer versions of Windows.

Users receive no notice that removing Starforce DRM is necessary to prevent possible security compromises on their computer systems. Worse, removal of a Starforce Title does not always remove Starforce DRM software.

We’re glad to see someone actually try to press this in the court system, although we’re disappointed that this lawsuit is against Ubisoft and not Starforce themselves. However, if successful, this will demonstrate to other game companies what a legal liability employing Starforce DRM in their software can be. Let’s hope this turns out for the best.

Click here for the Starforce Class Action Lawsuit pdf file.

R-Force says:

Even if only one of these issues is upheld, we may be looking at the demise of this type of invasive DRM. (We can only hope!).

I will admit that I was very cautious about the original proposal of this class action, given the rather chequered history of games playing (if you will excuse the pun) by Security (Protection) Technologies and some of the Publishers such as Ubisoft. It was difficult to be sure if it was genuine or not. Thankfully that caution was not needed and this appears to be the real deal.

I say good luck to Chris and all the guys in the class action suit, you have the full support of all of us at R-Force and NGH.