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Even Century Old Records Had Restrictive Licensing

Posted by ScuttleMonkey on from the old-dog-same-tricks dept.

natch writes "While rummaging through some old records at an antique store I found some turn-of-the-century Victor Record Company pressings. The label on the back laid out the terms of use, something similar to an EULA. In today's modern world of RIAA lawsuits and DRM, it's interesting to note that similar tactics have been in use by record companies for over a century, restricting your right to use what you purchased. The label clearly states that unless the record was sold for at least one dollar, there is no license to use it."

4 of 277 comments (clear)

  1. Even worse on fair use by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    The license restricts ripping to wax cylinders or whistling of said tune.

  2. Re:Hmmm ... by Walt+Dismal · · Score: 4, Funny

    Interestingly, the flip side of the 78 rpm vinyl was a recording by Snoop Doggy Dog's grandfather, "I Gots Yo Bling Bling, Now Ride Wit Me in Mah Model T. Uhuh Uhuh."

  3. don't care, it won't play on my Edison anyway by swschrad · · Score: 4, Funny

    darn all these pesky different formats!

    --
    if this is supposed to be a new economy, how come they still want my old fashioned money?
  4. My great-grandfather was sued for this! by sizzzzlerz · · Score: 5, Funny
    Family history records him purchasing a batch of records from VinylTorrent for a nickel each and subsequently being sued under the aforementioned EULA. He had to pay two horses, a mule, and several chickens if I'm not mistaken.

    Some angry fists were shaken that day, I'll bet.