More on Who Owns the Programming and Codes / Webinar Notice - Sold Out 

 January 30, 2013


Comment:   More on Programming Codes 

Is Your Programming Protected by Copyright Laws from January 22 , 2013 article

Ken

Regarding, programming and code access, I thought that when a contractor is hired to furnish, program and test a fire/burg system, all materials and programs for that system is owned by the customer. The dealer was hired to provide a working system and upon satisfactory completion of the services along with payment for said services, the system (materials and program) now belongs to the owner. Naturally, the manufacturers base program is not part of this purchase and remains the property of the manufacturer. I believe the owner has a right to the program code as this also is part of the service. I thought there was legal preceedent for a situation like this.

Tom F.

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Response

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        I am not aware of any law that governs the issue of who owns the programming.  I know there are a few ordinances that require that passwords be given to monitoring subscribers, and that was in response to alarm companies withholding the pass words so that communication couldn't be changed to another central station.  But the issue of who owns the system programming goes well beyond the password to make changes to communication.  If the alarm company takes the position that it alone owns the programming then no changes can be made by another.  The system would have to be used as originally programmed.  

        Unless there is a specific law addressing the issue, and I don't believe there are any, the understanding and agreement between the parties will govern the issue, especially if the issue is specifically addressed in the contract.   The Standardized Contracts now provide that the alarm company retains ownership of the programming, and in fact warns users that the programming is protected by copyright laws.  Not quite as scary as the warning you get when you start watching a DVD with the ensignia of the United States Department of Justice, Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, but only because I didn't have room on the forms.  

        Whether subscriber should or shouldn't own the programming is debatable.  The Standard Contracts were changed in response to alarm companies who want to own the programming.  

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SOLD OUT - sorry we won't be able to accept you for the webinar but you can still listen to a recorded version of the webinar - call Eileen 516 747 6700 x 312 to get the link.  Also - you can take advantage of the $200 discount for the Commercial All in One by ordering the contract today - call our contract administrator Eileen Wagda, Contract Administrator,  at (516) 747 6700 x 312 to place the order with the discount.  Today only !!!

 NOTICE - SIGN UP FOR WEBINAR - LIMITED SPACE -  special contract pricing for attendees

WEBINAR Sign-Up

Introducing the new Commercial All in One contract   Learn about this new contract and how it will increase your RMR

 Date:  Wednesday, January 30, 2013  

Time:  11:30 AM to 12:15 PM    EST

 Place:  Your Computer

Register Here - https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/7679680049587250944  

 About:  We will introduce the latest contract - the Commercial All in One. Discuss its comprehensive features and whether it's beneficial for you to upgrade to this contract. There hasn't been a standardized form for commercial sales. This contract covers sale, installation, monitoring, inspection, service, guard response, subscriber remote access. For use with all security systems such as intrusion, access control, CCTV and streaming video data. A truly comprehensive security system agreement that will replace the need to use other multiple standardized forms. We will also field questions from attendees  

Presented By:  Ken Kirschenbaum, Esq  

Format:  You sign up.  Call in to a toll free number.  Go on line to see power point as you listen to presentation.  

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