Re: Asimov & *LACK* of respecting programmers choices

[Stainless Steel Rat <ratinox@peorth.gweep.net>]

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>>>>> "K" == Kevin <kkralian@aros.net> writes:

K> Yes, the software was (is) copyrighted.

'Is'; copyright lasts for a long time, a lot longer than the computer
industry and the programs we are discussing have been around.

K> For a reason- It was sold commercially; people were making money on
K> it.

No, they are all copyrighted because the law says they are, simply by
the act of creation.  Copyright is an implicit protection for any
intellecutal property.  In fact, this message I am writing is
copyrighted by me simply by my act of writing it.  The issue of
comerciality has absolutely nothing to do with copyright law.

K> But a lot has changed over the last 12 years. It is no longer sold,
K> no one is making money on it. The reasons for the copyright no longer
K> exist, and, as can be seen, the companies/people involved are no
K> longer enforcing them.

You are ignorant of copyright law if you belive this last statement.
You have the clearcut weight of both US and international copyright law
against you on this.  Unlike trademark violations, there is absolutely
no requirement whatsoever that copyright violations be pursued and
prosecuted.  And there is no forfeiture or transfer of copyright except
by *EXPLICIT* forfeiture or transfer by the holder of that copyright or
the lapse of the copyright's duration.  It matters not a whit that the
copyright holder is defunct or deceased; the copyright remains in effect
for the duration:

* Pre-1978 (published): 75 years after the date of publication (if the
  copyright is renewed).
* Pre-1978 (unpublished): copyright expires on December 31, 2002.
* 1978-present (owned by individual): copyright lasts for the life of
  the author, plus an additional 50 years.
* 1978-present (owned by employer): copyright lasts 75 years from date
  of publication, or 100 years from the date of creation, whichever
  occours first.

There you have it in a nutshell.  The fact that the companies no longer
exist, or the authors may have died means nothing.  Those copyrights
will remain in effect for at least another 30 years (I expect there is
no unpublished software out there in the archives).

I suggest you actually read up on the facts and basics of copyright law
before spouting ignorant opinions.  There are a number of very good web
sites out there with copyright information.  Or hit your local library.

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