Path: utzoo!utgpu!water!watmath!clyde!bellcore!rutgers!tut.cis.ohio-state.edu!mandrill!gatech!uflorida!novavax!proxftl!rafael
From: rafael@proxftl.UUCP (Rafael Mayer)
Newsgroups: comp.misc
Subject: Re: Copyrights (Was: piracy)
Keywords: copy protection piracy
Message-ID: <231@proxftl.UUCP>
Date: 28 May 88 23:44:48 GMT
References: <9160@cisunx.UUCP> <1801@uhccux.UUCP> <807@netxcom.UUCP> <589@amelia.nas.nasa.gov>
Organization: Proximity Technology, Ft. Lauderdale
Lines: 23

In article <589@amelia.nas.nasa.gov>, msf@amelia.nas.nasa.gov (Michael S. Fischbein) writes:
>
> However, I am worried about the effects of the Lotus and Apple lawsuits
> on the small, innovative programmer.  Doesn't the threat of hundreds of
> thousands of dollars (or more) in legal bills tend to stifle development

What worries me, is the general lack of understanding the courts in general
(lawyers and judges) have for the mechanisms involved.  They apply their
understanding of current information storage and retrieval systems (paper,
microfiche, microfilm, record imprints, magnetic recording, etc.) to cases
involving `information age' storage and retrieval systems (RAM, ROM, Networks,
E-Mail).

In time of course, this will correct itself. `Information age' lawyers
and judges will eventually become a majority in the judicial systems and this
will set the stage for some intelligent court activity.  Until then I am
prepared to see a lot of `esoteric' decisions and conclusion come forth from
lawyers, judges, and juries.

Rafael Mayer               UUCP: {ihnp4!codas,allegra}!novavax!proxftl!rafael

Smooth ice             For those who dance with expertise.       Friedrich
	   Is paradise                                           Nietzsche