[sdiy] [Sdiy-legal stuff]Is it legal to sell a synth based on other people's designs?

[James Patchell]

This has been talked about a lot on this group in the past...but here is at 
least my opinion (based on what was related to me by somebody who should 
know)...

The answer is YES...if it is posted on the internet, you can use it as long 
as it is not covered by any active patents.  Drawing a schematic and 
putting a copyright on it does not protect the circuit that is drawn...only 
the drawing of the circuit...

People who complain about their circuits being stolen off the internet 
basically have no basis to complain.  If you don't want something you feel 
you did to be used at all, it should not be posted at all.

And another point...there is very little in the way of truly original work 
posted on most DIY web sites...there are a few exceptions...but most of it 
is just a rehash of older designs.

Generally, the only thing I protect (by not posting it) is the PC board 
artwork.


At 09:19 PM 2/24/2006 +0000, you wrote:
>Hi folks! I was wondering if someone builds a synth based on all or some 
>of the designs (vco,vcf or anything else) and sells it  has some 
>obligation to the original designers?
>
>Suppose roland buils a synth using a Vcf  that one of you design, do they 
>have to give you money or something?
>
>
>Thanks
>
>Diogo

         -Jim
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http://www.oldcrows.net/~patchell

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