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Roland Attacks MT-32 Emulator Project
canadacow writes "The MT-32 emulation project, which is an offshoot of the DosBox project recently received a cease and desist letter regarding the use of the PCM samples from the synthesizer. Normally this would be an open and shut case, but it just so happens that U.S. Copyright law (specifically 17 U.S.C. section 405) shows that Roland lost their copyright because nowhere did they explicity register it, and registering (or atleast copyright marking) was required before 1989. The MT-32, of course, was produced in 1987. You can find more details at the emulation forum on Vogons" In particular, read through this thread for Canadacow's response to Roland's lawyers, for the type of response that most lawyers probably don't expect from most programmers.
they have produced zero noteworthy equipment, instead naming their wanky new equipment (that yamaha does better) after their classic machines from the early 80's.
Am I the only one that doesn't give a crap about any of this?!? I've seen some weird stuff, but man, what a waste of \. resources. Roland is a dieing company on its last breathe. And who gives a crap about PCM now anyways... leave that for the cell phone companies and their cute poly ring tones.
I surprised this topic even got as many valid replies as it did! ;)