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In an underreported event, Diebold has apparently asked the court to drop its threats against students who have spread material about the failings of its machines. EFF and the Stanford CIS were representing the Swarthmore students. While we await word whether the court will allow Diebold to walk away from its threats, thanks to the Stanford CIS and EFF (which, unlike CIS, can take donations).
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diebold won't sue. and diebold atm machines get wormed. now that this old security company got attention by screwing with the elections, even little worm issues make the news. destruction of the brand. and to think it could've been avoided... [Read More]
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Comments (13)
New, dare say indignant, Posner opinion on copyrightability of databases, copyright misuse, and the limits of ProCD.
http://www.ca7.uscourts.gov/op3.fwx?submit1=showop&caseno=03-2061.PDF
definately worth reading.
Ah, the "know when to fold 'em" strategy. Previously used by the RIAA, and SunnComm, and whoever else knows they are going up against defendants who have support. Good job, EFF/CIS!
I think the reason for the dropped charges is if it did go to court, then it would become big news, and a lot more people than now would start reading the memos, and this issue would get mainstream press. That is precisely what they are trying to avoid.
Thanks for the quick reporting on this, Prof. Lessig. I'll be putting up Ping's archive shortly. If anyone is curious as to what the content of the memos has been utilized for... see the links at the very end of this post: http://pobox.com/~joehall/nqb/archives/000043.html
It already was covered, e.g. by AP last month
Like the Pentagon Papers, they were heading for a loss, and they know it. They're trying to avoid a legal ruling against them.
Why can't CIS take donations?
As we approach Thanksgiving here in America, let us all be profoundly thankful that this skirmish has ebbed away without bloodshed.
seth is right. not all publicity is good publicity.
you got to know when to hold 'em and know when to fold 'em.
isn't this taught in the first year of law school? being able to do a complete about-face in spite of having written reams of hyperbole to the contrary is more or less de riguer for an attorney.
hypocrisy 101, i believe it is called.
but hey, whatever works. from a business perspective, litigation has very little to do with the law.
I personally hope the court finds Diebold liable for unsubstanciated threats and force them to pay punitive damages to all who have been threatened. That would really make people think twice before claiming bloody murder under the DMCA.
think the reason for the dropped charges is if it did go to court, then it would become big news, and a lot more people than now would start reading the memos, and this issue would get mainstream press. That is precisely what they are trying to avoid.
nice site
Why can’t they take donations?
your blog is full of spam!
look above, the mp3 links!