When computing power is generated by the lawyers; copyright and patent issues may decide dominance in the 1990's

Article Abstract:

Lawyers are increasingly important in the computer industry as computer manufacturers, software publishers and semiconductor industry companies battle over copyrights and patents. A significant recent case involved Lotus Development's copyright infringement claims against Paperback Software. Lotus won when a federal judge ruled that Paperback's VP-Planner spreadsheet copies the user interface of Lotus 1-2-3. The ruling moves beyond the 'look and feel' issue, focusing on the words and structures of on-screen menus. It is too soon to know what precedents are established, but some observers fear a legal free-for-all that will have a chilling effect on product development. In what might be an even more consequential case, Advanced Micro Devices is attempting to break the Intel Corp monopoly on the 80386 microprocessor. Advanced Micro says it has a right to make the chip under an early technology transfer agreement.

Semiconductor industry, Computer industry, Software, Cases, Intel Corp., INTC, Copyright, Copyrights, Advanced Micro Devices Inc., AMD, Lotus Development Corp., Patents, LOTS, column, Patent/Copyright Issue, Computer Software Industry, Patent, BORL, Paperback Software International

---

The next tidal wave? Some call it 'social computing'; new ways of communicating with the customer and supplier

Article Abstract:

Business executives meet to discuss the emerging reality of social computing at Forrester Research Inc's Technology Forum conference in Boston, MA. Forrester senior analyst William M. Bluestein tells attendees that computer hardware and software vendors, cable TV operators and telephone companies have been engaged in a mating ritual since Mar 1993, and their eventual offspring will usher in a new era of internetworking at work and in customers' homes. Wired and wireless links will allow companies to exchange information with suppliers and distributors, and enable them to market their wares to consumers over public and private information networks. Though numerous technical and regulatory obstacles stand in the way of this brave new world of social computing, conferees John Sculley of Apple Computer Inc, Robert M. Kavner of AT&T and George M.C. Fisher of Motorola predict that they will be overcome by 1997.

Telephone and telegraph apparatus, Radiotelephone communications, Telephone communications, exc. radio, Commercial nonphysical research, Computer networks, Conferences, meetings and seminars, Forecasts and trends, Technological forecasting, Work environment, Customer service, Market research services, Marketing research firms, Forecasting, Forrester Research Inc., Networks, Human Factors, Conferences and Meetings, Future of Computing, Telecommunications Service

---

As piracy grows, the software industry counterattacks; thievery costs companies billions of dollars every year

Article Abstract:

Software piracy will cost the software industry $10 to $12 billion in 1992, so law enforcement agencies and software agencies are trying harder to ensure that existing laws are enforced. The most piracy occurs in businesses. Fifty-five percent of US companies have no inventory management system, so they do not know how much of their software is legal. The Software Publishers Association (SPA) files two piracy lawsuits on average per week. The SPA collects $100,000 per violation and uses the money to finance more lawsuits. The SPA suggests that companies avoid piracy by appointing a software manager, developing a code of ethics for software, keeping a log of software and conducting audits regularly. Many software companies also conduct investigations to find software piracy. Piracy is such a great problem because software is easy to copy and users do not see it as wrong.

Prevention, Law enforcement, Software piracy, Trends, Legal Issues, Attitude

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: A new supercomputer is introduced by I.B.M. I.B.M. offers work stations and breaks its traditions. New Digital software links various products
• Abstracts: The power culture elbows in at Macworld; the Macintosh is moving into areas once the sole domain of I.B.M.-style PC's
• Abstracts: Japanese computer rated the fastest by one measure. Computer said to be the fastest: Thinking Machines reclaiming its title
• Abstracts: Does software lose credibility when it's inexpensive? A $49.95 accounting program offers most of the features of many expensive rivals
• Abstracts: Memory chip prices take the up stairs again; was it a fire at an obscure Japanese epoxy plant that caused the panic?

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.