HP backs down on DMCA warning (News.com) [LWN.net]

News.com reports that HP has abandoned legal threats it made against security analysts who publicized flaws in the company's software. HP now states, "We can say emphatically that HP will not use the DMCA to stifle research or impede the flow of information that would benefit our customers and improve their system security..."

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HP backs down on DMCA warning (News.com)

Posted Aug 5, 2002 20:44 UTC (Mon) by crouchet (guest, #1084) [Link]

The HP printers I have bought over the years for myself and for clients have proven solid and reliable. But no way could I stomach buying from a company that used the DCMA in this way so my most recent purchase was from a competitor.

My point is simple: HP's action cost them money. I may not represent hundreds of sales but I doubt I was alone. Will I buy or recommend an HP product in the future? Well, if they turn out to be sincere in their retraction then they will at least be competing for my business on an even footing with their competitors in the future. If not then HP will be a non-starter.

Again, I do not buy hundreds of printers but I think there are probably others doing the same thing but who do not write about it.