Kahle v. AshcroftOld homecomputer documentation
originally submitted by Alwin Henseler:
For many out-of-date homecomputer systems (mostly 80's era), there are still people who like using the software written for it (mostly games). This also includes new enthousiasts, who first get to know a system, long after(!!) it was last sold.
To keep that possible, you need either to keep original hardware running (and everything dies eventually), or you need exact documentation on how that hardware worked.
Think circuit schematics, datasheets of components, technical descriptions useful for programmers of such a system, built-in software etc.
Often such information is available from manufacturers at the time that these systems are sold, a period beyond that, and then no more.
When you would be able to contact the copyright owner, and ask them permission for distributing such documentation, a standard answer goes like: "we're sorry, we don't sell it anymore, we can't help you get that documentation anymore, but yes, it is copyrighted, and we can't (or won't) give permission to publish a copy you already have."
Net result: the company that once sold these homecomputers, doesn't make money from it anymore, wouldn't lose money in any way if such technical documentation were distributed, but despite that, anyone having useful documents, has the choice between witholding it from the public, or commiting copyright violation (with possibly severe penalties).
No one would be hurt by such publication, there would be uses for it if publicly available, but such publication remains illegal.
Stifled uses
Alwin Henseler:
Publish one or more service manuals (circuit diagrams) in electronic format on a website.
Not having permission to do so, was one of the reasons I didn't.