LinuxSA Mailing list archives

  From: David Newall <davidn@rebel.net.au>
  To  : Airlink IT <it@airlink.com.pg>
  Date: Thu, 1 Apr 1999 15:32:03 +0930 (CST)

Re: Software rights

On Thu, 1 Apr 1999, Airlink IT wrote:
> If I invent a machine and patent it, and you come along and improve it. Your
> improvements now come under my patent and I have the right to modify my
> original and sell it, incorporating your ideas, without compensating you in
> any way.

I don't think so.  I think that I can patent my improvement and you cannot
use it except on my terms; the same as I cannot use your invention other than
on your terms.  Obviously this means you can stop me being able to use my
invention by denying me permission to use your invention.


> The same holds true for music.

I believe that a copyright holder can similarly specify the rights under
which copyright material may be reproduced.  So you can deny me the right
to sing your song; however if you do grant me the right to sing your song,
I think I then have title to the copyright of me singing your song.

-- 
Check out the LinuxSA web pages at http://www.linuxsa.org.au/
To unsubscribe from the LinuxSA list:
  mail linuxsa-request@linuxsa.org.au with "unsubscribe" as the subject