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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.
Welll that is the very last MT-32 I'll ever buy. Heck I'll even sell mine cheap! The only problem will be locating the MPU-IPC card and adapter box for it...
But not as hard as finding a PC with an ISA slot to run the stupid thing. Buy it now on eBay!
As seen on Wired: Get a free desktop PC
Lost the copyright? Lost the copyright?
These guys need to speak to a lawyer, and fast. If their facts are correct, they can't be hit for puntive damages or costs, but they can be enjoined to cease and desist. This project is dead, as of right now.
Jeebus breakdancing Christ, lost the copyright? No wonder Congress keeps passing laws to protect rights owners. Not only are these chumps violating copy rights, but they're getting prissy about it. Paraphrase: "we gave you a chance to stop us, and you didn't, so now all your sample are belong to us".
Here comes the cluestick, guys. Take it like men. Well, boys.
If you were blocking sigs, you wouldn't have to read this.