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How to legally purchase Mame ROMs
Patent Doc:
Well, I've decided to post a part of Title 17 of the US Code, which is the title that relates to Copyright. In particular what is below are the parts of sections 107, 108, and 117 that relate to "fair use" and provide the ray of hope for those that obtain ROMS. So here we go
Howard_Casto:
I'm aware of the definition of free use but the dmca is in direct conflict with all of that.
And yes distribution is the record industry's main claim, but think about it, how many people do you know that dump their own roms?
Yes, I agree, the jury is still out, but in this sue crazy society we live in, something is illegal until proven legal. I'm sure our forefathers are rolling in their grave's but that's the world we live in. :-\
Patent Doc:
Howard I wasn't attacking you. Sorry if I gave that impression. It was not my intention. Rather, I thought that everyone out there would benefit from seeing the actual US code.
The part I directed towards you was prompted by my feeling that you were too emphatic with your analysis of the state of the law. Though, I must admit, I largely agree with you (especially rgarding our forefathers roling in their graves over the shape of the legal system), just no point in affirmatively stating something that hasn't come to pass. With regard to the dmca and "fair use" I think, though admittedly its been a while since a read the case law on this, that the ruling was based on a very narrow ruling of "fair use" which states that the use is limited to "criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching (including multiple copies for classroom use), scholarship, or research." I also believe the ruling put a lot of weight into the loss of market value of the infringed product and the fact that entire works were being copied.
the3eyedblindman:
Just buy them ilegally from a burner, who cares, its the easiest way, and probably how everyone else ( well most of them) on this website have gotten them.
StephenH:
You can try approaching the game companies directly. The older and the less popular the game was, the more likely they are to license. It is fair game with any company though.