Replying to a comment stated below, I think I read once that copyrights only Last 10 years (50 years for a patent) then they become public domian. I could be wrong on this but theoretically, if ya really wanted to, in 2010 we could make copies of SE4 and give them to people. Although I probably wouldn't just for moral reasons.
I looked this up once because a software company named "Sierra" (you might know it, makes that game called Halflife) had two REALLY awsome sports games (Football Pro and Baseball Pro). They dicontinued their sports game about a couple of years ago and don't plan to make any more sporst games (unless you like bullriding and fishing). Anyway, I read some laws in the government that talked about copyrights and Patents. It stated that copyrights had a certain time span then they become public domain. Patents are a little different. Their hard to get established, but if someone uses your patent and you can prove they did it, you can really nail them big time! Patents are easier to get applied to things, but have limitations.
Anyway, I just wanted to point out that theoretically (assuming I'm correct) we could all make copies of SE4 by 2010 and give them to people. As long as we don't sell them for a profit, it is perfectly legal.
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Gryphin-
I started my first game. The Selay Consortium just hosed a colony ship, @#%Q@#R, Then accepted a Trade Treaty.
What is it about Neutrals that shoot first and ask quesitons later?
Atrocities-
Its called Gun Ship Diplomacy. <img border=0 title= alt=[Big Grin] src=biggrin.gif /]