namespace protection compatible with the OSD?

[phil hunt]

On Thu, 19 Apr 2001, Dave  J Woolley wrote:

> > From:	phil hunt [SMTP:philh at comuno.freeserve.co.uk]
> > 
> > 
> > I hope this is not the case. I wouldn't like Microsoft to have the ability
> > to suppress WINE because it uses the Windows API.
> > 
> [DJW:]  They are attempting to achieve something
> similar for MS Office products.  The MSDN Library
> licence forbids the use of the file format documentation
> for Word, etc., for what I interpret to
> be:
> - software that does not run on Windows;
> - software that attempts to compete with MS Office.

They could encrypt the MS Word format, and then use the provisions of the
DMCA to prohibit competing programs. 

I hope they do this -- it'd probably be enough to get lawmakers and
others to realise what a harmful and iniquitous law the DMCA is (ditto
the EU copyright directive).


-- 
***** Phil Hunt ***** 
"An unforseen issue has arisen with your computer. Don't worry your silly 
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