Propellerhead ReBirth

[Sean Costello]

Magnus Danielson wrote:

> Hmm... this just vaguely connects to building synths, but some of the
> issues about property rights is certainly a burning topic for some.
> Someone wanted to take over the right of the graphical layout that I
> had done from a handdraw schematic. This someone claimed that he had
> copyright over the schematic, but as things turned out he only had
> copyright over the schematic that was the inspiration for the
> schematic that I got. I got very sad about this story, but I refused
> to give up the right over the schematic layout (the artistic work)
> that I had done (in a open give-away spirit I might add, no money
> around anywhere for me).

Who did this?  Were the initials BH? If so, I could send you a scan of
the page where he talks about why he doesn't copyright his material
(circa 1977 or so).  Heck, I could even post it on my website.  What is
he going to do - force me to take it down? Let's see how THAT stands up
in court!  ;)

Anyway, a drawing can be copyrighted; a schematic can't.  A circuit can
be patented, but there is nothing to prevent you from drawing a
schematic of that circuit and posting it (as far as copyright and patent
issues go; trade secrets may be another matter).  Posting someone's
copyrighted drawing can get you in trouble.  Posting a drawing that you
yourself made of a non-copyrighted drawing of a circuit that was
designed by someone besides the person who drew the drawing that was the
basis of the circuit you are copying, that was then drawn up by someone
else to get the actual drawing you are copying...um...my brain hurts...

Sean Costello (who is busy learning about arrays in C, is up late doing
homework, has drank too much tea, and is feeling contentious)