Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Notes on a talk I will give on Wed.

[Ken Hanly <khanly@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

An interesting post. It is only in the case of MonsantoGM
seeds sold with a TUA (Technology Use Agreement) that
the analogy with licencing applies. Even at that there are
important differences. Seeds are discrete objects and are
consumed in production of the plant. Programs can be used
over and over, seeds only once. They cannot be copied as can
programs. Of course the mature plant produces further seeds
and as part of the agreement these may not be saved or sold
to another buyer. Ordinary seeds are owned by the farmer who
buys them and the same it true of certain sorts of GM seeds
as well, such as GM seed potatoes. Even without TUA
contracts though, more and more contractual arrangements
bind farmer with elevator companies, fertilizer, seed, and
pesticide manufacturers. Farmers see these as reducing risk,
and obtaining favorable prices for inputs even though they
are bound to sell to a certain buyer and use certain inputs.
Manufacturers see the contracts as assuring use of their
products and delivery to their facilities.
  Cheers, Ken Hanly
Michael Perelman wrote:
>
>
> >
> > S
>
> No.  You do not own the program.  You have a license to use it.  Just as farmers do not own Monsanto seeds.  They have a license to use it.
> --
>
> Michael Perelman
> Economics Department
> California State University
> michael@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> Chico, CA 95929
> 530-898-5321
> fax 530-898-5901