Re: Multitudes of Apple II games might now be public domain

[Jonathan Schattke <wizwom@ripco.com>]

Thanks for the law link.

The law says 50 yrs after the author's death for the documentation.  It
is specifically added that the docs for computer programs are included.

� 2318. Trafficking in counterfeit labels for
          phonorecords, copies of computer programs or
          computer program documentation or packaging,
          and copies of motion pictures or other audiovisual
          works, and trafficking in counterfeit computer
          program documentation or packaging

But, there is a caveat: you have to "Traffic" in them, which means
selling them, or receiving recompense for them.  And, the jurisdiction
is limited:
(c) The circumstances referred to in subsection (a) of this section are
-- 
  (1) The offense is committed within the special maritime and
      territorial jurisdiction of the United States; or within the
special
      aircraft jurisdiction of the United States (as defined in section
101
      of the Federal Aviation Act of 1958); 

"special maritime and territorial jurisdiction" is only those places
owned by the United States in common, not those places which are in any
of the United States (i.e., you can't do it in Guam, but you can in
California, if you aren't on an army base.)

So, the upshot is that if you take a program to a freinds house, and
share it with them, you're only in trouble if you (a) accept money for
it [more than 10 times in 180 daya, or $2500 worth of 1 program] and (b)
are in the special maritime jurisdiction.

If you aren't, then you're fine.

Note: all corporations are in the special maritime jurisdiction.

Cturley2 wrote:
> 
> This issue could involved a lot of time and research to prove the accuracy of
> the email claim I received. For some URL's to start at you might like to try
> the following;
> 
> http://www.benedict.com/
> 
> http://lcweb.loc.gov/copyright/
> 
> http://www.netlaw.com/
> 
> Looking forward to any feedback and PROOF derived from anybody!
> 
> Cheers,
> Tom

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