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Dave · July 12th 06, 11:21 PM posted to rec.radio.amateur.antenna

wrote:

Sorry, I lost the attribution trail.

Why? The documentation says:

*********************************************** *************************
This software is copyrighted. It has been provided to
you on the condition that you will not sell, rent, lend, give
away, or otherwise transfer the software to others.
*********************************************** *************************

SNIPPED

Hi Bill,

Strange as it may seem, yes you would be in violation.

Copyright is the author's total monopoly to insure his revenue from
his creation. If you disrupt that revenue flow you are breaking the
law. You said it yourself, he doesn't market to amateurs - rather
professionals who will pay for the LICENSE to use it professionally.
If they choose to do someone a favor, and drop their fee, that is
their hit, not his. He granted them the right, by LICENSE and at a
cost, to lose money if they wish.

There are two additional issues here.

First, a registered copyright is valid for 55 years, it transcends death and
becomes part of the copyright holder's estate. It can be renewed under specified
conditions. So, going out of or changing business does not void the copyright.
By law, the legal penalties begin at $100,000 per violation.

Second, the principle of REASONABLE USAGE is applicable to copyrighted material.
Example: I buy a Copyrighted CD for my personal usage. I am allowed to install
an additional copy on my computer for my personal usage. I am allowed to install
an additional copy on my MP3 player for my personal usage. All subject to the
condition that only one copy will be used at any one time. This does not violate
the copyright law and applicable precedents.

Libraries are allowed to makes partial copies of copyrighted material. It is the
REASONABLE PRESUMPTION that libraries provide data. Universities can make
partial copies of copyrighted material for academic classroom and research
usage. Etc.

The legal burden for proof of REASONABLE USAGE rests with the individual or
institution who purchases the license.