Re: No longer free to write your own software either

["Byron Q. Desnoyers Winmill" <byron@asimov.ab.hsia.telus.net>]

Frank Townsend <ftownsen@iamdigex.net> wrote:
> Nope.

> There is no such thing as a copyright "personal use" exemption.

According to Canadian copyright law (at least Industry Canada's interpretation:
http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/sc_mrksv/cipo/cp/cp_guide-e.html) there are "personal
use" exemptions.  Also refer to: http://www.cpcc.ca/.  It should be noted that
none of these exemptions apply to software, but they do exist.  These privileges
exist just as much as our privilege to make backup copies of our software (even
though the software industry denies us that privilege through licensing
"agreements").

Americans should also note that the information at CPCC relates to a rather
controversial law which does allow Canadians to "pirate" (certain?) music CDs
and audio cassettes for personal use (yes, outright copying which is above the
law).

Again, this does not apply to computer software, but it does outline exceptions
to the rules.

Byron.