From 084c049c241c71211193dbb733bd2032976168a5 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Paul Gardner-Stephen Date: Wed, 24 Apr 2019 22:09:37 +0930 Subject: [PATCH] add commentary about interface furniture. --- README.md | 16 ++++++++++++++++ 1 file changed, 16 insertions(+) diff --git a/README.md b/README.md index 50d4235b..f8023544 100644 --- a/README.md +++ b/README.md @@ -121,6 +121,22 @@ this tool to be overly senstive in an abundance of caution. As with everything i we are going above and beyond to establish beyond reasonable doubt that our software does not infringe the copyrights of the owners of the C64/C65/C128 and other ROMs. +# A note on common furniture of a BASIC system + +The "READY." prompt and error messages constitute the majority of the obvious "furniture" of +a computer like the C64. However, both these elements have since been widely copied to the +point of being genericised in our view. It is only the exact combination of the phraseology +of the C64's startup screen combined with the double-blue colour scheme that would seem to +stand any chance of enjoying any protection. The number of coffee mugs and T-shirts with +READY. or similar printed on them, and which have been available for decades without +challenge from any rights holders would seem to confirm this view. Also, the lack of defence +against such things acts to diminish any residual rights that might have ever existed. + +In an abundance of caution, we are using a different colour scheme than the C64: Namely, +solid blue with white text, which has long since been used on many other computer systems, +such as QuickBASIC on DOS, and in many application programs. Such a colour scheme is +unprotectable in our view. + # Note regarding trademarks Commodore and other trademarks are trade-marks of their owners, whoever that may be at any particular point in time.