Re: ProCD v Zeidenberg,

From: Greg Elin <elin[_at_]interport.net>
Date: Fri, 12 Apr 1996 10:10:28 -0400 (EDT)

Steven D. Jamar:
>
> So the "real" question may be should we protect sweat of the brow or
> not? Only if that question is answered "yes" (and it appears that Mr.
> Elin would so answer it) do these other questions materialize.

Of course we should protect real labor. Someone did the work, they should be compensated. That's my point (see below). With today's technology, how much brow sweat did ProCD really do to compile their database? If company A hand types every phone number and company B scans the phone numbers, and company c simply aggregates the numbers for computer tapes, should the products be priced the same?

> Me:

>> 
>> The real question remains, what labor did ProCD exert to assemble and
>> present the facts on the CD-ROM?  What is that labor worth in the
>> marketplace?  What laws are necessary to insure that another company 
>> cannot acquire without compensation (i.e.,  'steal') ProCD's labor?

------------------------------------------------------------

Greg Elin
elin[_at_]interport.net

Travel the American Internet from Silicon Alley to Silicon Valley:

                   http://www.totalny.com/live/ge

Received on Fri Apr 12 1996 - 14:14:22 GMT