Date   : Mon, 16 Jan 1984 05:15:00 EST
From   : Jerry E. Pournelle <POURNE@mit-mc>
Subject: My BIOS for the Ithaca Intersystems 2A.

under copyright and patent law, ideas and concepts are not
protectable, but specific implementtions are.

plaguarism can be brought in for sufficient similarities even
though the language is not identical: if plot and characters are
essentially the same, juries may and have found plagiarism.

Dunno if that helps.
    Date: Fri, 13 Jan 84 12:08 PST
    From: MMOON.ES at PARC-MAXC.ARPA
    To:   ABN.ISCAMS at usc-isid.ARPA
    cc:   capn at uw-vlsi.ARPA,
          pur-ee!uiucdcs!parsec!ctvax!uokvax!andree at ucb-vax.ARPA,
          info-cpm at brl-vgr.ARPA
    Re:   My BIOS for the Ithaca Intersystems 2A.

    Don't know the legaliteis, etc., but I know of no manufacturer who ever
    published pseudo-code.  Can we translate the particular impilmentation
    of an algorithm, then communicate it?  Can common sense guidlines work
    here?  Anyone with legal credentials listening?

               MMoon.es