Commercial Rip-offs (spanking)

[Paul Schreiber]

This reminds me of what (I think Supreme Courst justice Warren Burger) said
about
pornography: "I can't define it, but I know it when I see it."

Meaning, most people know where the idea originated they are "borrowing".
So, contact
that person, be open, and see what happens.

I think there is a difference in using old stuff from a defunct company
(say, Aries or Polyfusion)
than one still in business (say, Serge). Then you have 'gray area', like
selling Electronotes designs.
Or, what about an old Craig Anderton design from a 1977 issue of Polophony?
Do you think he still
deserves a royality?  I do, unless he declines. BUT...you need to ASK.

I believe that the relatively small royality paid is a small price to pay to
be ethical. And sleep better.
This may sound strange, coming from a "businessman", but I like the idea of
paying royalties. Having
been in patent law many years, it never ceases to amaze me how companies
blatently use a patent,
then deny it until it goes to trial. It's usually *very* black & white.


Paul Schreiber