It's not like we WANT copyright technical protection measures--it's the law!

[Andy Oram <andyo@oreilly.com>]

I was just downloading some RealPlayer software (yes, the very stuff that
got RealAudio bad publicity for the GUID), and like the nerd you know I am,
I had to read the license before checking "yes." So I discovered this
strange clause, which I'm sure is not unique to RealAudio:

	The Software embodies a serial copying
	management system required by the laws
	of the United States.  You may not
	circumvent or attempt to circumvent
	this system by any means.

I'm trying to figure out how by any stretch of the imagination they can
make the claim that the system is required by law. I'm assuming the "serial
copying management system" must be some encryption/watermark-related scheme
to prevent me from making multiple copies. There is no law requiring
copyright protection! Maybe they are twisting around some clause that says
a technical protection mechanism must be present before certain
infringements can be prosecuted.

Any other ideas?

Andy