Tuesday, October 26, 2004
DMCA Breath of Fresh Air
I've been following the DMCA issue for several years now. Ars technica has a great article on the recent decision by the sixth circuit court against Lexmark. If you haven't followed this case, basically Lexmark is trying to use the DMCA to keep competitors from making toner cartidges for Lexmark's printers. Choice quote:
"A monopolist could enforce its will against a smaller rival simply because the potential cost of extended litigation and discovery where the burden of proof shifts to the defendant is itself a deterrent to innovation and competition."
Finally, a judge pointing out a massive problem with intellectual property laws in this country.
Unless the playing field is kept level, small independant software developers don't stand a chance against large corportations that would not hesitate to out source our jobs overseas. If you haven't already done so, consider a donation to the Electronic Frontier Foundation.
"A monopolist could enforce its will against a smaller rival simply because the potential cost of extended litigation and discovery where the burden of proof shifts to the defendant is itself a deterrent to innovation and competition."
Finally, a judge pointing out a massive problem with intellectual property laws in this country.
Unless the playing field is kept level, small independant software developers don't stand a chance against large corportations that would not hesitate to out source our jobs overseas. If you haven't already done so, consider a donation to the Electronic Frontier Foundation.
