Legal Status of Amiga Clones (past and present)

[orb85750]

This seems to be degenerating, as you become more and more cryptic.  I honestly have no idea what you mean or the question to which you refer.  Maybe this one --->  What is the answer to: whether it is legal to build a Wheatstone Bridge circuit?  If it is legal, explain why.  If not, explain why.  (If you are able.)  

[orb85750]

Piru wrote:
@orb85750

Define "chip design".

I think this is what is confusing everyone here. In my opinion that includes the content of the chip (the copyrighted material).

I think your definition is different?

Right, I think I stated previously (twice) that a copyright does protect any software stored on the chip -- of course.  However, nothing else about the chip can be protected by anything other than a patent, if one is granted.  (Circuits cannot be protected by copyright law, but the *publication* of the schematics can be protected.)

[orb85750]

While that is a reasonable question, everything I've read so far on the legal websites mentioned in my previous posts indicates that electronic devices (including circuit boards) cannot be protected by copyright.  Again, the Wheatstone Bridge example . . . Even if the circuit were published in some manual covered by copyright, devices may be built using that *exact* circuit design.   -Dave

[orb85750]

Again -- and now I am repeating myself for sure -- devices are specifically exempted from copyright law.  You would have an uphill battle in court arguing that your circuit board is not an electronic device, but is instead the "medium" for your copyrighted work!  I suppose an artist could produce a circuit board for display that is a "work of art" (not a useful electronic device) and therefore could be covered by copyright law, but that is not relevant to our discussion.  Got it now?

[orb85750]

bloodline wrote:
The method of operation of the circuit can be patented. The design, the pattern, of the components is covered by copy right!

It doesn't matter if you are drawing a cartoon or drawing a circuit, both designs are covered by copyright.

The method used to make the circuit or print the cartoon is covered by a patent... Clearer now?

1) Patents for 20-year old technology have all expired, so patents are not relevant to our discussion, even if they did exist at one time.

2) I suggest you read up on the limitations of copyright protection before posting again.

[orb85750]

Do you do agree that anyone may build such a device exactly according to a given schematic, provided that there is no patent granted (or pending) for the design?  

Would you tell me explicitly what you mean about the 'device' definition ambiguity?  

[orb85750]

Fortunately, IANAL either!  Anyway, thanks for the thought-provoking discussion.  And thanks to gertsy for the useful wikipedia link.  Interesting that ICs are considered so unique in that they deserve a special law beyond patents and copyrights.  -Dave