Hi Joseph, > I'm wondering if there is some parallel with counterfeit software/ > movie dvds? > > Consider if I buy a copy of MS Office, and it turns out not to have a > valid license code - there must be some recourse under the Sales of > Goods Act. In the GPL cases we normally discuss, the main difference I > see is that the GPL software only forms a component of the product > rather than the entire product, but it is still unlicensed software. > > Potentially trading standards could also take an interest, but this > would require finding a trading standards officer that understood the > issue and wasn't busy dealing with easier to prosecute cases.
http://www.tradingstandards.gov.uk/policy/leadofficerspecialistsubject.cfm says the institute has lead officers, including one for Intellectual Property. Their contact page tries to ward off the unwashed masses but it might be possible to broach if they're aware of the issue. Steve Baker, MP, is a former programmer who still dabbles, e.g. https://twitter.com/SteveBakerMP/status/440133081887170560. Perhaps he'd be willing to offer advice as to how to get Government bodies understanding the issue? The list seems to concentrate on getting the manufacturers to comply. IIRC Harald had success in the German courts against a retailer, stopping them selling a violating product. Would that be an easier method to apply pressure on the manufacturers. Get Amazon understanding the issue and a private-ish contact point for informing them of violations. When they ask the manufacturer about a violation claim, their loud voice will be heard and responded too. Cheers, Ralph.
