As I understand it, Firewire is just Apple's branded implementation of the open IEEE1394 standard. This is why everybody's DV cameras can be hooked up to computers (albeit with some variations in the physical connectors).
Actually, Firewire is an Apple invention which was submitted for approval as a standard. The fact that they let it be standardized and licensed to other vendors is why everybody's DV cameras can be hooked up so computers.
Here's my proposal: Manufacturers and "content providers" should be allowed to use whatsoever encryption or protection they want... but use of such protection -- use of any mechanism which interferes with the rights of Fair Use, First Sale, timeshifting, spaceshifting, etc. -- obviates and renders null the copyright.
I really like this idea. It seems somewhat analogous to patent/trade secret protections.
The owner of the process/invention can either protect their property by keeping it secret or they can choose to obtain legal protection by patenting it and obtaining legal recourse if someone duplicates it.
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The owner of the process/invention can either protect their property by keeping it secret or they can choose to obtain legal protection by patenting it and obtaining legal recourse if someone duplicates it.