[sdiy] cloning, copying, copyrights

[Oakley Sound]

 > How can you make a clone of something that is copyrighted (I assume)?

Case design, PCB artwork and original schematics can be copyrighted. The 
actual circuit cannot. Relay it or redraw it is usually enough.

Copyright exists to protect the art not the technology.

Technology, and therefore circuits, can be patented, but patents last 
only so many years. Most of the analogue synth patents have now expired.

Trademarks are a different matter. These last while the company exists 
and these are quite often forcibly controlled. So while you can make a 
Smith TB-303, you should expect a call from Roland's legal division very 
shortly after you announce it. This includes virtual software imitations 
which have no similarity circuitry wise, but share a similar 'look'.

Having said that, there appears to be a code of conduct among smaller 
manufacturers not to tread on each others toes too much. It only goes so 
far, but the market is small enough without cannibalism.

Tony

www.oakleysound.com