On Mon, 7 Dec 1998 18:49:55 +0100, you wrote:

>>read this.............if found my old e-mails file...
>>-------------------------------
>>try this:
>
>>can copy any commercially available protected
>>devices even if security fused or code locked. pal,gal,pic,mpu,etc
>>goodluck
>>-----------------------
>>
>>Miguel
>>
>
>These M*therf**kers copied one of our PIC chips we use in a commercial
>product! Lost thousands of dollars due to the fact that they're
>selling the 100% copied product cheap under another brand name. The
>development of the firmware inside this chip have cost us one year.
>
>Maybe it's wise not to mention the above address anymore. It will
>definately help some PIC coders on this list too.
>
One handy hint that has swung one legal case I know of.... Build in
some hidden functionality to the product - some bizarre combination of
buttons or whatever that performs no useful function and will not be
found by accident.
This provides a very easy way to prove that a rival product uses
ripped-off code.