>On Tue, 23 Nov 1999, Russ Perry Jr wrote:
>> The one possible thing that would get you through is that it's only 122
>> bytes, and if you were unlucky enough to get sued, you might get some
>> luck that it's to small a piece to be claimed. However, given the
>> importance of its function, I doubt many judges would go that route.
>Oh please, litigation is extremely expensive and companies don't sue over
>something unless it has real commercial value. Anyone who thinks the
>Atari 7800 or its software has remaining commercial value is seriously
>delusional.
I DID say "unlucky". I admit it's very unlikely anyone would be sued
over this. But with videogames being a litigious industry, and retro
somewhat hip, the risk is increased.
>I say post your new demos. The 7800 owners on the list will enjoy them,
>and nobody's going to sue you.
Easy to say when YOU'RE not at risk...
BTW, if you re-read what I said in my original response, you'll note that
I was only giving legal advice as I know it -- not trying to talk them out
of releasing the demo. If THEY are concerned about legal issues, then I
hopefully gave them some good advice. It seemed to me that they were more
worried about posting stuff that Glenn, the list's moderator, would find
inappropriate or illegal. Personally, I'd like to see the stuff and don't
give much of a hoot about the legality, since it's obvious Hasbro doesn't
care much about the 7800. But that doesn't mean they WON'T care necessarily,
and it doesn't mean there might NOT be trouble.
John, most likely, on the off chance Hasbro a) noticed and b) cared, you'd
get a cease and desist letter, not a subpoena. And Paul is right, they
probably wouldn't sue even if they bothered to send a letter.
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