Watson A.Name - \"Watt Sun, the Dark Remover\" wrote...

Everyone, including the legal system, should view certain types of
manuals as different than other IP. In the case of an instruction
manual, this is is directly related to the instrument, and has no real
use or value on its own. Therefor the owner of an instrument should
have the right to own this manual, no matter where or how it was
obtained. I would go as far as to say that the instrument maker should
be obligated to supply one to the owner upon proof of ownership, but
the makers wouldn't want to be stuck with that responsibility.

Hear! Hear!

OTOH the repair, service, maintenance manuals are another case, and
since they might reveal something about the instrument that's not
notmally available to the owner, the owner wouldn't have any right
to these manuals.

Naturally I disagree: Owners of hardware should be able to get the
service manuals for their purchased equipment. Some sellers want
to keep the repair profits for themselves, but in my opinion this
is unwise. OK, we'll leave that point. However, surely you agree
that if the manufacturer made detailed service manuals available
at the time of original sale, as HP did, the associated IP should
be treated the same as the instruction manual, per your statement.

Thanks again (and the check is still ready to be signed ;-)

Which check is that?


--
Thanks,
- Win