Russell McMahon wrote:
>> Manufactured by yourself, the ICD2 clone (16F877 and 18F2445) will 
>> be
>> around $20-$25. Firmware upgraded automatically.
>> http://www.edaboard.com/ftopic161641.html
>>     
>
> I remember discussion about the ethics of the ICD2 a while ago but 
> paid little attention at the time.
> No doubt this has been well sorted out by now (if sorting was ever 
> needed).
>
> What is the
>
>     1.    legal and
>
>     2.    ethical
>
> position re buying or building a clone ICD2 where "firmware will be 
> upgraded automatically".
> And, regardless of the answers to 1 and 2 above,
>
>     3.    What would Microchip like you to do and why?
>
>
>         Russell
>
>
>   
Its my opinion that Microchip does NOT care. Yes, technically it is 
theft of intellectual property,
sorta, but all of the benefit is used for making MC products.

Besides, there are plenty of MC lawyers (I've met a few 'cause my 
website improperly stated that
I design PIC software, and I'd left out a few copyright notices) to 
chase people who really DO hurt
MC in some way, and these guys are VERY silent.

--Bob

--Bob
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