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  1. #1
    kodedevil Guest

    System Modification - Legality

    Where does the legality stand with respect to writing custom macros and adding custom screens to a Fanuc System. Is there any restrictions if the machine owner wants to add a custom macro to help improve his workflow?

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Dec 2009
    Posts
    947

    Re: System Modification - Legality

    as far as i know,if the machine is out of warranty,you can do what you want with the machine,you can make it to do some popcorns or donuts

  3. #3
    kodedevil Guest

    Re: System Modification - Legality

    Yeap I had a conversation with the Fanuc India team. They were like warning me that it is illegal for me to touch the machine.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jun 2013
    Posts
    1041

    Re: System Modification - Legality

    I would think you would be ok. Just don't sell or distribute the macro's and screens to others.

    Ben

    Sent from my E6810 using Tapatalk

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jun 2010
    Posts
    4252

    Re: System Modification - Legality

    They were like warning me that it is illegal for me to touch the machine.
    Better not turn it on then.

    If you own the machine it is YOUR property. Do as you will.
    If you wish to sell the macros and screen ... you might want to check with a lawyer. But what could Fanuc sue you for?

    Cheers
    Roger

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Apr 2009
    Posts
    1379

    Re: System Modification - Legality

    Copyright protection is for the FORM of what is written; NOT for the information within what is written.
    Therefore, custom screens, macros and programs are copyright protected. You can sell and distribute them.
    "Yeap I had a conversation with the Fanuc India team. They were like warning me that it is illegal for me to touch the machine." What utter nonsense.
    On the contrary: you can do almost anything you want with what you bought.
    Of course, anyone can give their OPINION on what is legal, but laws are written by legislators and, when challenged in COURT, will be upheld or struck down by COURT.
    It is not in Fanuc's interest to say that you are allowed to do something,
    Back in 1991, when we started to sell memory upgrades for Fanuc controls, we got a 'cease and desist' letter from a Vice President of GeFanuc (senior legal counsel).
    I called him and asked what their issue was with what we were doing. I told him that our lawyer had told us that what we were doing was perfectly legal; never heard from them again.
    It is still our position that even turning on of options is legal.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jun 2010
    Posts
    4252

    Re: System Modification - Legality

    There's a lot of bluff out there.
    But there are also the costs of suing your own client - both $$ and reputation.

    Cheers
    Roger

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Sep 2018
    Posts
    9

    Re: System Modification - Legality

    To make it clear its my clients who own the machines. We are helping them make the changes based on their request. Most of the machines are second hand imported and are far out of warranty. We provide a solution for operators to input their login ID, the work ID and also if there are any issues. We don't modify any of the machine's activities or logic.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Sep 2018
    Posts
    9

    Re: System Modification - Legality

    And also they wouldn't sell me the Fanuc Picture or the Macro software if I don't own the CNC. They want me to just buy their machine monitoring software instead.

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Jun 2010
    Posts
    4252

    Re: System Modification - Legality

    Can you get your client (who owns the machine) to buy the SW?

    Cheers
    Roger

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Sep 2018
    Posts
    9

    Re: System Modification - Legality

    Quote Originally Posted by RCaffin View Post
    Can you get your client (who owns the machine) to buy the SW?

    Cheers
    Roger
    If I can purchase I can use it for multiple clients if they require.

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