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Oracle also does this. Connecting to their database requires (required?) you to send a poem which is copyrighted by Oracle[1]. This would, in theory, let Oracle shut any unauthorized db driver down at will.

https://dacut.blogspot.com/2008/03/oracle-poetry.html




I wonder if that legal theory has ever been tested? I admit I'm sceptical that it would hold up in court.


I think

    Our hard work
    by these words guarded
    please don't steal

    (c) Apple Computer Inc
might have been tested in the Psystar case.

(I personally also find it quite pleasing, esp. compared to the Oracle soup which in my mind fails to resonate as a poem)


It shouldn't. I believe clauses in place to support interoperability of software would cover it.


It's not even a particularly inspiring poem!


They may not write good poetry but they'll sue the pants off you if you misuse their poems. Wait maybe I mean software not poetry


The word "Vogon" popped into my head just now...




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