Merger and the Machines document the issues of compatibility regarding both computer software and video games. Licensing is needed for not only consoles or computers but for cartridges, and operating systems as well. Basically the compatibility wars are battles for Monopolization, which Teter uses the term "Wrestle Mania" to describe. The question he proposes is whether or not the law should in fact allow the steps (such as borrowing from already existing software) necessary for compatibility to occur. Teter believes that in fact, the law should allow for such things. Teter's argument is that interfaces which have become standards are able to thrive because there is a balance between intellectual property protection and standardization. Therefore, the deliberations upon policies regarding compatibility should not be that hard to solve, considering that perhaps Copyright Law is unsuited to take on such issues. The statues of basic Copyright law in his opinion are simply inappropriate for determining issues regarding software of both video games and computers, considering that the protection is so long that it's quite easy for one case decision to allow one company to dominate the industry. Mergers and compatibility should become standards for the industry in order for the "Wrestle Mania" to cease. The question of compatibility is a pertinent one in regards to my paper. This article documents the struggle and fear of monopolization that was present during the boom of both computers and video games, and the inability of the Courts to quickly come to a decision regarding the rush of technology.
belongs to The Influence of Video Games on Copyright Decisions project
tagged compatibility computer_software intellectual_property licensing video_games by mymorg ...on 28-NOV-06
tagged compatibility computer_software intellectual_property licensing video_games by mymorg ...on 28-NOV-06


