From: bv@wjv.com   
      
   In article ,   
   Ulrich Mueller  wrote:   
   >Hi,   
   >   
   >can anyone tell me about the status of the Model I and Model III ROMs,   
   >with respect to copyright? One of the last messages I have found about   
   >the subject is from eight years ago:   
   >   
   >>>>>> On Sat, 3 Apr 1999, Frank Durda IV wrote:   
   >   
   >> ALL TRS-80 and Tandy PC software developed by Tandy is owned by   
   >> Samsung Electronics of South Korea. AST Research (later renamed AST   
   >> Computer and later bought by Samsung Electronics), obtained all of   
   >> these rights along with related patents from Tandy as part of the   
   >> sale of the TSD, TSS, TSA, TBP, TAP, GRiD, and other related Tandy   
   >> computer design/manufacturing divisions/departments.   
   >>   
   >> [...]   
   >>   
   >> By the way, a little known international copyright (WIPO) rule   
   >> on abandoned works might make all of the Tandy-produced stuff   
   >> public-domain soon thanks to a non-US company holding the rights   
   >> now, so you might want to start printing the "fire-sale" signs now   
   >> since most of this stuff should be LEGALLY available on the Internet   
   >> very soon.   
   >   
   >Any updates on this? Are the ROMs considered "abandoned works" by now?   
   >   
   >Ulrich   
      
   Abandoned or not, copyright is still in place unless the owner has   
   placed it for free distribution or made it public domain.   
      
   The idea that abanded software, or software from a company long out   
   of business, means that software is available is wrong if the   
   copyright has not expired.  And given the changes to the copyright   
   laws a few years ago you could look for the MI/MIII sw to expire   
   sometime after 2050.   
      
   Bill   
   --   
   Bill Vermillion - bv @ wjv . com   
      
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