[computer-go] An electronic copy of "Graded Go Problems for Beginners"

[Phil G]

On Thu, 2006-09-21 at 15:24 -0400, Jeff Nowakowski wrote:
> Does anyone have (or know where to find) an electronic (ie. .sgf, .go,
> etc) version of the graded go problems for beginners books?  I own the
> books and like the problems.  I think that they'd make an excellent
> test for a computer program, I'm just a bit lazy about manually
> entering all four books.

On Thu, 2006-09-21 at 14:32 -0400, House, Jason J. wrote:
> It doesn't matter if you own the books or not.  What you are asking for
> is an infringement of copyrighted materials.  I understand your
> intentions are honorable, but once electronic copies of copryighted
> materials start floating around it is impossible to distinguish
> copyright violators from legitimate owners.

While I am not an attorney, I believe Jason's proposed use would be covered under the "fair use" doctrine as described in section 107 of the copyright law. Now if he didn't own the books, I might have a different opinion regarding this request - then maybe only a few examples would be allowed under the "fair use" doctrine. Of course, the person providing the electronic version might infringe on the copyright, if in fact Jason didn't own the books. 
 
Again there is no clear distinction between "fair use" and infringement - only the copyright holder or the courts can make a final determination. And even then the burden of proof is on copyright holder to show infringement of the copyright. 
 
Phil