U.S. Copyright Office issues new rights
Wow, this is a total shock, but MAYBE a step in the right direction, regarding preserving old classic video games (as well as other games). According to this Yahoo article, basically, the US Copyright Office is now bending a little and FINALLY allowing for exemptions for archivists, cell phone recyclers and computer security experts. One point regarding video games was this:
What this basically means (with my small amount of a legal background, not being an attorney) is that The US Copyright Office has effectively legalized modchipping/softmodding consoles if you’re doing it for the purpose of emulating an older, no longer available on the market consoles. If you can still buy the console in a store, like an Xbox or PS2, Gamecube, etc it wouldn’t fall under this exception. For systems previously released to these, it could apply.
Also note, notice the article says “for computer software and video games that require machines no longer available.” That means you have to legitimately own the computer software / video game, or have owned it at some point. While this doesn’t mean we can start posting Atari 2600 and Coleco commercial roms on this site, nevertheless, this is a HUGE CHANGE in the law, and a HUGE HIT against the DMCA! This change doesn’t only apply to video games, but cell phones, dvds, and other things. I HIGHLY recommend you read the article.
For those of you who DO have the legal knowledge regarding such issue, we invite you to post your comments.
