* Claus Färber ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) [031005 20:57]: > Andreas Barth <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> schrieb/wrote: > > Sorry, but that's not totally true. There was substantial distribution > > via modem networks before (e.g. Fido). IMHO this is equivalent to > > distribution over internet.
> According to German law, a distribution method is only "known" when its > economical significance can be evaluated. > > The idea is to protect authors from granting licences for the exploition > of their works below value. The importance of online distribution (and > so the value of the right to distribute a software product online) could > not have been foretold by looking at BBS networks or at the then use of > the Internet. I disagree. The importance could have been as good foretold as the importance of distribution via CD instead of gramophone records - and that's ok according to the BGH. The only _real_ change is that much more people are using computers nowadays than in these days. But - well, that's the same as if all people are suddenly starting to hear classics. That would just be bad luck for the authors of classics, and good luck for the authors of brain-washing-pop, but would not invalidate any license agreements. Cheers, Andi -- http://home.arcor.de/andreas-barth/ PGP 1024/89FB5CE5 DC F1 85 6D A6 45 9C 0F 3B BE F1 D0 C5 D1 D9 0C
