circuit rights violation

[jhaible]

I just wanted to confirm that Paul is one of the "good guys".
Without being more specific, I can say that when you see
a MOTM module that reminds you of some of my circuits, you
can buy it (or recommend it to non-diy people) with my blessing.

I also share Paul's view of the legal / ethical situation. Mind
you, I never accused Herrn Dopefer of doing something illegal.
I just think it's offensive, and very stupid in the long run, what
he does. He does not do himself any good with that. (I'm curious
if the news have spread on AH already - I'm not subscribed there
from this account.)

JH.



> Speaking only for Synthesis Technology:
>
> When we decided to offer the MOTM modules, certainly we searched the web
for
> schematics.
> Having an extensive background in the patent system (I have 9 US and 17
> foreign patents) I also
> checked for possible patent violations.
>
> In most cases *nothing at all* would prevent us from using JH's or even
> Serge's designs in MOTM without
> legal issues. Every Serge patent has expired.
>
> However, that's not the way to run a business. So, we contacted the
> originators of the designs we were interested
> in and offered to pay royalties. Some accepted, some declined.
>
> You can be assured that Synthesis Technology pays for the rights to
original
> work, even though *legally* we
> are under no obligation to do so.
>
> And, ironically, we give *full schematics and theory of operation* with
> every module. So, nothing prevents other
> people from "stealing" MOTM designs, either.
>
> The best thing is to support companies that in turn, support the
designers.
>
> Paul Schreiber
> www.synthtech.com
>
>
>
>