a copyright question...................

**Bruce** · 10-02-2003, 05:57 PM

i have edited the M$ Garmin GPS units to better reflect the real items IMHO, if others are interested, what is the legal position on posting these, or should i just keep them for my own private use?

http://www.bruces-stuff.pwp.blueyond.../garmengps.jpg

**flyingtim1** · 10-02-2003, 06:44 PM

just about everything has been modified and uploaded,air files,textures,ect........but as "hot" as this topic has been last couple days you might want to email one of the mods and see.
just my 02cents worth
tim

**Bruce** · 10-02-2003, 09:30 PM

had another look at the EULA (who actually goes to the trouble of reading these things), and technically i have allready broken the aggrement by modifing the file because i opened up the gauge and edited its components, naughty me :)

so i would also be breaking the aggrement by posting it, but then it is not any good to anybody unless they already own FS9 as it wont work in any other FS versions.

icebox · 10-03-2003, 12:36 AM

And what section of the EULA do you think your actions violate? The EULA allows reverse engineering, to the extent that it complies with the law, and doesn't say "you can't edit the files" that I saw, but I only gave it a cursory reading.

Mark

**Bruce** · 10-03-2003, 09:02 AM

I've go into a bit deeper and they actually give you permision to share the files with friends or family (and with the internet who is to say who is not your friend) so long as there is no charge invloved;

"Editors. If the SOFTWARE PRODUCT contains a software Editor, or a software Editor is made available to you by Microsoft for use with the SOFTWARE PRODUCT, you may use the Editor only in conjunction with that content specifically identified in the documentation for use with the Editor. If no content files are identified, you may not use content or other files from the SOFTWARE PRODUCT with the Editor. You may reproduce and share files or scripts created with the Editor with friends or family on a non-commercial basis only. Microsoft does not grant you the right to sell or otherwise distribute files from the SOFTWARE PRODUCT in exchange for value."

Now the gauge cab files open in explorer and the files can be edited with MS paint so i think this covers it don't you.

So if any of my "friends" want this modified gauge (both are included in the one fspgps.cab), i will package it up and send it to Flightsim.com and Avsim.

Mind you, come to think of it, if no editing was allowed FS would never have got to the position it is now.

**Mac** · 10-03-2003, 11:12 AM

Let's have a show of hands. . . .
How many people on this forum think it violates the publisher's copyright when you use highliter in a textbook?

icebox · 10-03-2003, 11:39 AM

I saw that section. Regardless, they are not going to complain because they like the add-on community. Free addons are in their interest.

Keep in mind that the EULA is a contract drafted by Microsoft. In every state, contract language meaning is construed strictly against the drafter. So if there's a dispute over whether we here at FS.com are your "friends," microsoft would have some trouble if they tried to sue you.

And Bruce, my friend, I'd love to try out this gauge file. :)

Mark

icebox · 10-03-2003, 11:47 AM

Uh, this example has no bearing on the issues involved with modifying software. When you buy a book, that copy is yours. Of course you can right on the book. Copyright law says not to copy the book for unfair uses. On the other hand, when you buy software, you don't buy a copy of the code, rather, you buy a license to use the code. Your rights are subject to the terms of your license, which in FS's case is the EULA found in your fs9 folder.

If Microsoft wanted to say in the EULA "you may not edit any file in this program" then if you do, you've violated the license. And, of course they haven't gone quite that far.

Mark

**MikeS_KPDX** · 10-03-2003, 08:47 PM

huh...
dont know about the copyrights stuff but I have been staring at your pics and back again at my MS one. Honestly, I cant see a bit of difference - no insult intended, just cant see a difference.