Loading Software into RAM Creates a "Copy" - MAI Systems Corp. v. Peak Computer Inc., 991 F.2d 511, 26 U.S.P.Q.2d (BNA) 1458, (9th Cir. 1993), Cert. Dismissed, 114 S. Ct. 671, 62 U.S.L.W. 3473, 1994 U.S. Lexis 937 (1994)
![handle is hein.journals/sccj10 and id is 507 raw text is: CASE NOTES
LOADING SOFTWARE ITO RAM CREATES A COPY'
MAI Systems Corp. v. Peak Computer Inc., 991 F.2d 511, 26
U.S.P.Q.2d (BNA) 1458, (9th Cir. 1993), cert. dismissed, 114 S. Ct.
671, 62 U.S.L.W. 3473, 1994 U.S. Lexis 937 (1994).
Brian J. Murphyt
I. INTRODUCTION
On April 9, 1993, the Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit in
MAI Systems Corp. v. Peak Computer Inc.' notably held that loading
software into a computer's random access memory (RAM) creates a
copy under section 101 of the Copyright Act.2 Although the court
acknowledged that it had no specific authority for-this proposition
and that those authorities cited were somewhat troubling, the court
took its conclusion to be generally accepted.3
MAI Systems Corporation (MAI) previously manufactured com-
puters and designed accompanying software, and remains in business
providing supplies and service, including maintenance and'training,
for thousands of active users of their machines.4 It is estimated that
the global market for such service and maintenance produces reve-
nues in excess of $50 million dollars per year.5 MAI's customer ser-
vice business is critical to its survival, providing both profits and the
capital necessary to maintain a field staff and updated software.6
MAI's copyrighted software includes both diagnostic and operat-
ing system software-each containing MAI trade secrets. Their com-
puter systems are considered unique in the business because MAI
Copyright © 1994 Brian J. Murphy.
t B.A. English, University of California, Los Angeles, 1991; J.D., Santa Clara Univer-
sity School of Law, 1994.
1. 991 F.2d 511 (9th Cir. 1993), cert. dismissed, 114 S. Ct. 671 (1994) [hereinafter MAI
Systems II].
2. 17 U.S.C. § 101 (1988).
3. MAI Systems If, 991 F.2d at 519.
4. MAI Systems Corp. v. Peak Computer, Inc., No. CV 92-1654-R, 1992 U.S. Dist.
LEXIS 21829 at *3 (D. Cal. Mar. 30, 1992) [hereinafter MAI Systems I].
5. Advanced Computer Services of Michigan, Inc. v. MAI Systems Corp., 161 B.R. 771,
1993 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 17985 at *2 (E.D. Va. Dec. 13, 1993).
6. MAI Systems 1, 1992 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 21829, at *7.](ViewImageLocal?handle=hein.journals/sccj10&div=24&collection=&method=preview&ext=.png&size=3)
Loading Software into RAM Creates a "Copy" - MAI Systems Corp. v. Peak Computer Inc., 991 F.2d 511, 26 U.S.P.Q.2d (BNA) 1458, (9th Cir. 1993), Cert. Dismissed, 114 S. Ct. 671, 62 U.S.L.W. 3473, 1994 U.S. Lexis 937 (1994)