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LUA scripts and copyright...

Posted: Mon Jun 10, 2013 2:11 pm
by vlado960
We all know that the Lua is freeware programming language.

But I'm asking myself a lot of questions. What is with scripts that are already written? For an example, if there is '2+2=4' script, does that mean that nobody else can use that script form?

Regards
Vlado

Re: LUA scripts and copyright...

Posted: Mon Jun 10, 2013 2:28 pm
by DaveDewhurst
I think you would probably have to either:

Take the script as a whole and the functions it performs as the intellectual property of its creator
and/or
take any unique method used in that script as the same.

Dave

LUA scripts and copyright...

Posted: Mon Jun 10, 2013 3:35 pm
by bdy26
Copyright isn't simple. People think it is, but there are certain exceptions to all IP laws and one area is the use of basic words and formulae.

The language may be open source, but it is the particular use of the language that may acquire protection.

To take the 2+2=4 example, there are a finite number of methods of getting to 4. So if you need a 4, the chances are you are repeating someone else's work. I don't believe a court would consider these sorts of situations where a monopoly on exploitation should be granted. Equally it makes it harder for someone to claim their idea was the original.

My recommendation would be that provided you can explain the scripting and that there are only finite ways of scripting something this shouldn't present an issue of copyright infringement.

In terms of RSC reskin policy, the policy does not prohibit editing such files provided you don't alter the original.

Hope that helps

Ben