llama@eleazar.dartmouth.edu (Joe Francis) (11/16/90)
Steve Groom writes:
<As for the *illegality* of such a violation of license, I don't know.
<"Trade Secrets" are another issue altogether. The consequences
<are unclear, but what is clear is that just because you purchased
<the latest-and-greatest from XYZ software you don't necessarily
<have the right to do what you want with it or to it.
<Read the license. There's a reason they make you open the triple-sealed
<packages to get to the diskettes. If you don't like the license don't
<use the software.
--
I am not a lawyer, and the following is my understanding of US law only:
It is impossible for someone not privy to trade secret information to
violate trade secrets. Reverse engineering a trade secret and then using
it is not a violation of trade secret law. It may violate copyright
or patent law if you go on to use the code in some form, but it will
not be a violation of trade secret.
As for me not owning the disks. That's hooey. Software companies would
like you to think that, but it I last I heard it's "court worthiness"
was very much an open question.
As always, these are my less than perfectly formed opinions. Corrections
are welcome.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Read My Lips: No Nude Texans!" - George Bush clearing up a misunderstanding