On 30 Jul 2001 21:54:33 +0200, Klaus Schilling wrote:
João Miguel Neves writes:
On 30 Jul 2001 20:14:31 +0200, Simo Sorce wrote:
The problem is that, in practive it makes reverse engineering a crime.
Will this imply that decoding protocols that flows over a network will be also a crime?
First, the standard disclaimer, IANAL. For SMB, as is, I think there's no problem. Now if MS extends the authentication protocol to make sure you're connecting from workstation with a valid license, reverse engineering that might put you in jail, because your work could be considered as "facilitating ... an infringement of any copyright".
And what about ICQ? Most clients have been obtained by rev engeineering, I believe.
The same reasoning applies: right now you have no problem, but if they change the authentication system and turn it into an "electronic rights-management" system it would be illegal to reverse engineer it. The risk is that the company may make this change at any time... -- Joao Miguel Neves