Steve Vondran, Founder of Copyright Policy Group

The library of congress provides exemptions for copyright law.  For example, the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (“DMCA”).  Many vehicles nowadays, including cars, trucks, tractors and even boats and yachts are run by software (ex. driving and braking assistance, power windows, seats and doors, navigation and media/entertainment systems.

Many times, when you “buy” a vehicle you may not be actually “buying” the software that runs the vehicle.  That may be subject to a copyright “license” meaning you cannot violate the copyright holder’s rights without legal rights to do so (for example, “fair use” rights).

Listen to our copyright law podcast

Recently, the Library of Congress passed a guideline which allows people to “hack” their own vehicle for safety reasons.  Listen as Attorney Steve®, the copyright lawyer explains in this podcast.