CD Archive Legality
9 messages in this thread
I'm new here, so I'm not sure if this has been discussed before.
I would like to use CDROM to archive all of our current CAD files as well
as all of the past revisions of those files. I'm no lawyer, but it has
always been my understanding that in product liability cases the courts
would accept microfilm copies because they are unalterable, as opposed to
tape backups which can be altered.
My question is: does CDROM have the same status as microfilm as an
unalterable archive record?
You might try the Legal forum on compuserve they have a hi-tech/computer
law section that might be more useful. Try leaving a message to Fred Wilf
he is a computer and copyright lawyer. (GO LAWSIG)
David,
I don't think the medium has been ruled on by any US court, but I
understand that there is a case in Ontario now that should result in some
kind of ruling about it there.
Many lawyers are using — or want to use — CD-ROM technology, so I don't
think there will be too much of the over-their-heads technology problems
that occur with some things. Good luck! I hope you'll share what you
learn with us here.
Kathy <<– The One-Off CD Shop MidSouth, Inc.
Cathy, can you give me any details on the Ontario case concerning CD
archiving that you mentioned. I am an Ontario journalist with a particular
interest in CD-ROM and its implications and I would like to follow that —
unfortunately I'm at COMDEX now and can't check on it anywhere here. Thank
you. And cheers!
Jim,
Your best bet would be to look up Neil Enock at the One-Off CD Shop booth
there at Comdex. He's the one I heard it from, and I blush to be passing
along unverified rumors (which are probably true, but I didn't check on it
first). If you can't find him, let me know and I'll see if I can find out
more details.
Kathy <<– The One-Off CD Shop MidSouth, Inc.
Thanks for the info. I'll try to look Neil up although I don't hold out
much hope. And incidentally I hope you didn't blush too mujch -I don't
believe even the lightest shade of pink was warranted.
As I recall you offered information and you said you thought there was a
case in Ontario. I wasn't questioning your info, just interested in it. And
I didn't assume it was gospel, only a rememberance offered as that. I thank
you for it, and blush if my question caused you any discomfort. Cheers!
David:
I am not aware of any legal precedents as yet, although since write-once
optical technology has been around for some time, it is probable that a
good lawyer could either find one, or render an opinion based on that
experience, or an extrapolation of the microform status. It is a question
that comes up now and then and certainly will have import in the near
future. This has inspired me to check with some of my contacts in the
legal field, and see if I can get some free advice – maybe an article for
our newsletter. Stay tuned for the results.
Rich Bowers
Rich,
You might give a call to LSI — I saw an ad for their archiving services
(including CD-ROM) in a lawyers newsletter when I was sitting in my
attorney's waiting room yesterday.
Kathy <<– The One-Off CD Shop MidSouth, Inc.
Kathy:
Sounds like a good idea – any idea what or where LSI is?
Rich Bowers