Re: [GD-General] Pro-IP bill passed the house: User-created conte nt providers, beware!

[Bob <ma...@mb...>]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Jon Watte" <hp...@mi...>
To: <gam...@li...>
Sent: Monday, May 26, 2008 2:34 PM
Subject: Re: [GD-General] Pro-IP bill passed the house: User-created conte 
nt providers, beware!


> Bob wrote:
>> competitors. In an industry with sales windows measured in weeks, a
>> month-long interference in online services the moment a Porsche appears 
>> in
>> that unlicensed racing game or a Marvel superhero appears in that FPS, 
>> could
>> do massive damage regardless of the outcome of the "investigation."
>>
>
> I hope you understand that, even in the most cursory investigation, if
> your property is seized, the time taken before you can get your
> equipment back is measured in years, not weeks. And if it ever goes to
> trial -- even if you win! -- you may not get it back until the statute
> of limitation has expired, because if it's submitted as evidence to the
> court, it has to be preserved for any future re-examination of the case.


I'm sure that varies. I've had property seized for an investigation before 
(after a burglary), and it was returned in about two months. Had to employ a 
lawyer, though. It was a bit of an odd situation, because (a) the burglary 
was interrupted, so the police confiscated items that were taken out of the 
house in a box and dropped, and (b) nobody was ever arrested or charged.

I imagine that it would be possible to create a similar nuisance over 
Copyright or IP violation claims, even with nothing ever coming of it.


--bob