Just a simple question!

[Guest_imported]

Hello everyone,

If I use VB, VC, or whatever language to develop a software and let's call it, FreeWindows. This software will be exactly like Microsoft Windows 2000. Exactly means that the interface looks the same, the functionality, structure, everything look the same. The only different is the name and it's not own by Microsoft but let say it owns by FreeWindows company. Is this legal? Is there a law that say you can't duplicate someone software? I mean, I do have the ability to duplicate any software in the market. It's just a matter of times to develop it. For windows 2000, I'd say it will take about 10 years to develop one just like it, with the help of my employees.

Thanks,
John Perez

 

[Vec]

That's exactly what a Copy Right protects companies from. Copying! That's like asking if you can build a car exactly down to the last detail like one that already exists, except change the name. As I said, this is why companies have copy rights in the first place. And if I am not mistaken, Microsoft will sue you just for looking at them wrong these days.

Just my 2 cents

-

Looking Toward The Future

http://www.webfusiondesign.com

 

[TrailerTrash]

You need to develop your application in a "clean room" - that is in an environment where there is no trace of the program whose function you're trying to duplicate. You have to have your own "look and feel", not Microsoft's, Apple's or anyone elses.

 

[Brewman76]

I recently read on CNET (news.com) about a company that made a GUI for Linux called Lindows. The company claims that it is different enough to not violate any trademark or copyright infringement but they are none the less getting sued by Microsoft on the basis of the name and on the design. Whether or not the suit has merit, how many companies do you think could survive a multi-year lawsuit against Microsoft.

So if Microsoft is suing someone based on the mostly the name rather than the design, how fast do you think you'd get sued if you developed something that was a blatent copy?

 

[Guest_imported]

Well, what if that software doesn't say anything about copyrights and that it's not as popular as Microsoft where people can download trials or full version for free? One thing I don't understand is that by copying someone technology is illegal. What if an enemy captures one of our Stealth bomber (F117), and they have the technology to build one just like we have, how can we sue them? Do we go and destroy them?

Just a thought,
Mike

 

[AndyDuke]

The Russians did exactly that with the B29, reverse engineered it down to the last nut and bolt then built their own.

Andy