In a message dated 3/9/99 1:52:10 PM Eastern Standard Time, Decalchem@aol.com
writes:

> Shandon is perfectly justified in taking whatever legal actions it deems
>  necessary to stop people from stealing what is rightfully theirs.   If not,
>  what is to stop people from photocopying and distributing Histology text
>  books, manuals, and scientific papers, which are also protected under the 
> same
>  copyright laws?
>  
>  Cliff Berger
>  President
>  Decal Chemical Corp
>  http://www.decal-bone.com
>  
I was under the impression that one could make limited numbers of copies for
personal use such as reading at home, giving to a friend, etc.  Certainly if
they wanted to sell the manual, I could understand Shandon's objection.  If
the manual was reasonably priced, it would most likely have been a non-issue,
but at $6.42  that is more than most lawyers charge for copies.

If Shandon supplied the manual with the instrument when new, then they have
fulfilled their legal obligation.  They are also entitled to protect their
intellectual property, and can charge for the manual whatever they please.
Just like the basket for the pocessor, if it gets damaged or lost, you pay
what they charge.  On the other hand, had the Shandon rep offered to copy it
for Noi, it would certainly make them look like a shining knight to the
rescue.  Shandon had an opportunity to get thousands of $$$ worth of
advertising/good will had they offered to give away a couple dollars worth of
paper, but they threw that opportunity away.  In my lab, we are looking to
upgrade most of the equipment over the next 24 months, but we will be hard
pressed to justify a purchase from Shandon after this display.

My 2 cents worth,
Ron Bell, DVM, DACVP
HistoPathology Associates, Inc.