cseaman@sequent.UUCP (Chris "The Bartman" Seaman) (12/01/90)
jcburt@ipsun.larc.nasa.gov (John Burton) writes: < mwm@raven.relay.pa.dec.com (Mike (My Watch Has Windows) Meyer) writes: < >In article <2655@ttardis.UUCP> rlw@ttardis.UUCP (Ron Wilson) writes: < > Furthermore, after talking to one of my lawyer's partners, specifically the < > partner who specilises in copyright law, I have found out that the term < > "essential step in the utilization" takes precedence over the "fair use" < > doctrine. Therefore, since deprotecting is NOT an "essential step in the < > utilization" of a program, no such right is granted. < > < >If I consider a program unusable because of the copy protection, then < >deprotecting it is _clearly_ an "essential step in the utilization" of < >the program. At least it is to me. < > < unfortunately what you or I would consider unusable due to copy protection < would more than likely NOT be considered unusable in the *legal* sense. i.e. < just because I think its unusable doesn't mean it *is* unusable...:-( OK, how about this scenario. Copyright law entitles me to make a backup copy of any software I purchase (or "license", as the case may be). In fact, it is essential (not just to me, but to the law) that I be able to make a backup. Copy protection prevents me from making a backup; therefore, I am not gaining the full use of the product as described by law. In this case, I think that it *would* be considered unusable in the legal sense. < >Of course, my normal reaction to copy-protected software is to not buy [it.] < I encourage others to NOT buy copy protected software... Of course, there are execptions, such as when I receive something as a gift. For example, I just received Turrican as a gift (thanks again, donw!), and would feel like an ingrate if I returned it (not to mention that I *like* Turrican). Regards, Chris -- Chris (Insert phrase here) Seaman | ___-/^\-___ qatul batlh. cseaman@gateway.sequent.com <or> | //__--\O/--__\\ qatul Huch. ...!uunet!sequent!cseaman | // \\ qatul roj. The Home of the Killer Smiley | `\ /'