posting copyrighted circuit diagrams

[colin.hepburn]

Hi All
OK I have Question on posting circuit diagrams I have a copyrighted circuit of my headphone amp that I was going to post here but as it copyrighted I declined to post it but if the circuit has not been changed but added to IE a different PSU or a component value changed what are the rulings on this I wouldn’t want to be in breech of copyright issues
The chap is still selling the headphone kits
Do you chap have any views on this
Thanks
Colin

[Nick]

Well, I think if the circuit drawing is copyright and you make a altered copy of that, the altered copy is a derivitave work, and is still covered by the original copyright.

The DeCSS case ruled (In the US it should be said) that providing a link on a web page was activly "trafficking" in the document.

However, if instead of providing a link to the page i.e.

http://www.lurcher.org/nick/images/filreg1.jpg

The URL is repeated as text, then its just telling people where something is, which is ok. i.e.

http://www.lurcher.org/nick/images/filreg1.jpg

However, I guess, if it was my circuit, and it was paying the bills, I would be less than happy.

[colin.hepburn]

yep thats what i thou... unless he stops selling the kit or i ask his permission to use his circuit i guess

[Nick]

Yes, the silly part, is that copyright doesn't actually prevent anyone from building a copy of his amplifier.

Coming at this from a Open Source prespective, what I should do with any of my docs (and would suggest the same to others) is to publish under creative commons.

http://creativecommons.org/

Not that any of mine are likely to be copied anyway

[Andrew]

Yes, the silly part, is that copyright doesn't actually prevent anyone from building a copy of his amplifier.

As I understand it, "Design Rights" are aimed at this type of copying.

cheers,

-- Andrew