[OSM-talk] geonames considered harmful
Etienne
80n80n at gmail.com
Tue Aug 22 12:14:55 BST 2006
On 8/22/06, Emil <emil79 at gmail.com> wrote:
>
> On 8/22/06, SteveC <steve at asklater.com> wrote:
> > No, it means we (and geonames) don't have a right to the data at all.
>
> If you believe that taking coordinates off a map (I assume that's
> what's being done here) is copying data that embodies original
> creative work, and hence work that falls under copyright. Some people
> here think that copyright applies to any 1's and 0's that someone
> creates. It doesn't - it only applies to creative works. And even then
> there is Fair Dealing.
This is probably true, but the real issue is that there would be a trail of
breadcrumbs that a litigious company might follow to our doorstep. Even if
their claims are totally groundless we would be forced to fight a defence
and that costs money.
OSM has about $35 in assets at the moment. That would be long enough to
speak to a lawyer for about 5 minutes. OSM would fold about 6 minutes after
a writ was served.
The best form of defence we have at the moment, while we are a small
fledgling organization, is to stay squeaky clean and avoid as best we can
even the slightest risk of any litigation.
Using Geonames data is not vital or essential to the success of OSM so why
take an unneccessary risk?
IANAL
Etienne
Emil
>
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