[MissedTheBus]

Scary thing is that with the 120gig hd in mine with all the possibilities it opens up, guess what is the most played game on it.

























Bubble bobble

[amdg]

But again, DMCA is for tech that is "specifically" for breaking protections. Depending on what the chip is, it could be legal.

Well, no. "specifically" is not a word used in the Act. This is what makes my life so interesting. Understanding IP laws, which is pretty much what I do for a living, is not easy. I can't imagine how anyone who isn't an IP lawyer could feel like they have a firm enough grasp of what is proscribed technology and behaviour, and what isn't, to consider their internet posts as useful information. I've been a practicing IP lawyer for almost 10 years and I still cannot give off-the-cuff solid answers to a lot of questions. I have to step back for a few hours and think it through. I can't believe the shit that is posted on the net by people who think they know what they're talking about. Frankly, anyone relying on whatever IP law advice has been doled out in this thread is a fool. The laws these days, and their application are so complicated that you'd better consult a professional before doing something you think may put you in danger of being prosectued for an offence.

I know I'm not the smartest guy in the world, or even on this forum, but I do know my job, and I can tell you that in any country there are a handfull of people who know what they are talking about when it come to IP laws. You would be surprised by the number of CEO's of major concerns who have such confused beliefs about copyright, trademark and patent law that they might as well be reciting from laws enacted in the 70's. Its not that they are stupid people, far from it, its that the field has become so specialised that you can't understand it unless you devote your working life to it.


*edited to erase draft comments* (fuck! I am an idiot!)

[kotatsuneko]

dodonpachi, batrider and guwange are whats played most on my gatesbox.. sure saves hauling the pcbs out of storage!

blood, destruction and running civvies

[Faded]

Understanding IP laws, which is pretty much what I do for a living, is not easy. I can't imagine how anyone who isn't an IP lawyer could feel like they have a firm enough grasp of what is proscribed technology and behaviour, and what isn't, to consider their internet posts as useful information.

Believe me AMDG, in no way do I proscribe ANYONE to ever follow my advice, lest the want to end up in debt, on the run, or in an insane asylum But I do deal with copyright laws and such on a daily basis, and you are correct in stating that very few people can understand fully how much it entails. The Laws are written in order to not specify anything (which would enable people to find loopholes) and are interpretted differently almost daily. Which is why the use of the "fair use act" defense has had almost no success against the DMCA.

In this particular case though, if your modchip is solely for, say, increasing processor speed, or adding graphics memory, (similar to adding things to your PC) it would not violate any copyrights or protections (though would void your warranty).

But beware anyway, because you never know where they'll attack next

321 Studios Shuts Its Doors

Canada Music Biz Bites Dentists

but in respect to your obviously superiour knowledge on this (trying to get on your good side incase I need to hire you one day ) I agree anyone actually concerned with the legality of things should definitely listen to you. And we all know that every FG member is very law abiding, correct?

[Faded]

Here's the next jumble of non-specific Law you might have to deal with AMGD

As written, the act would penalize technology companies and consumer electronics makers for creating any device that could "induce" or encourage users to make unauthorized copies of copyright material such as music, movies or software. Critics have said devices like the iPod could be illegal under the law.

You're IPODs are endangered

and just so we know why certain battles are fought

introduced by Sens. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) and Patrick Leahy (D-Vermont). Between 1999 and 2004, Hatch received $159,860 in campaign donations from the TV, movie and music industries, according to Opensecrets.org, which monitors campaign donations. In the same period, Leahy received $220,450. They each received less money from the Internet, computer and telecommunications industries.

[amdg]

[Faded]

no offense taken man, not worry, and you're right, legal wise always better to talk to someone in the know. That or tell no one, fake your death and become the eccentric nun everyone calls "Betty" in Oahu. At least that's what I plan to do when the court comes a callin'.

Personally though, for any given situation, I prefer Bart Simpsons advice to Homer, "Punch him Dad, Punch everybody".