John Deere became the most recent company in America to claim that, though a buyer may have paid in full for a device, he may not actually "own" it. Say what?
Deere claims that because its tractors run on sophisticated computer programs, the ostensible owner of the tractor cannot "tamper" with that software without Deere's permission -- even to repair a defect or to customize its operation.
Already, traditional movie videos may come with restrictions on copying, but the Deere case, according to an April report on Wired.com, might extend the principle to machinery not traditionally subject to copyright law. Source: [Wired.com, 4-21-2015]
So, that same logic(?) would apply to your car...and anything else that comes with a build-in computer...such as your TV, watch, cellphone, refrigerator, stove...need I go on?
Think about it. If that logic stands up in court, it will soon be a case of 'what do I own?' because everything that isn't yet computerized will be soon in some way or another. It could also be that you won't be able to have repairs made to anything outside of a 'duly licensed and authorized dealer' which might mean the end of "Joe's Auto Shop", for example.
Say...you know the John Deere slogan that says, "Nothing Runs Like a Deere!" Well the old joke says that they first had another saying that didn't work so well...
"Nothing Runs Like a John!" Makes you wonder, eh? If John Deere wins their case, every other business with computerized products could jump on the bandwagon and current applicable laws could go right down the toilet!
Of course, these things are meant to test our fortitude. People all over challenge the status quo on everything. That is just the way the world is and I think I better stop this verbal rambling and go get myself another coffee. Want one...it's from my new computerized coffee maker which, though I think I do, I may not officially own?
See ya, eh!
Bob
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