Any other software that puts you in violation of your license terms. Not just any other software, right?
Any other software that puts you in violation of your license terms. Not just any other software, right?
The Leader in Network Knowledge
The difference between workplace and game software
I don't think we have to worry too much about software vendors filing lawsuits to prevent other software from interoperating with their own products. For example, VB Scripts, VBA modules and Office macros all enhance the underlying products, making them more valuable to the users and vendors alike. The online game situation is different in part because people pay monthly fees to participate, and in some cases, can earn real world money from their activities. Although I wouldn't like to see that kind of EULA violation considered copyright infringement (EULA's need a serious overhaul and specific legal guidelines, but NOT from the courts!), Blizzard should be able to protect their franchise somehow. Maybe they just need better lawyers.
The risk
We don't have too much to worry about right now but should Blizzard prevail the precedent will allow for pretty much any challenge to interoperation to be found for the plaintiff. That said, you're quite right, the abuse of copyright is the greater risk but whenever you leave a loophole you need to remember that there's always going to be a rat that wants to exploit it.
Post new comment