[Coco][Color Computer] The end of the Hot Coco saga?

[Neil Morrison]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Frank Pittel" <fwp at deepthought.com>


> What they can do is sue everyone responsible for the illegal distribution
> of their property into the poor house.

That worked so well for McDonalds in the UK:-

"Despite winning the courtroom battle, McDonald's attempt to clear its name
was widely regarded by commentators as a public relations disaster. The
lawsuit cost the company £10,000,000.

In March 1999 the Court of Appeal reduced the amount of damages awarded to
McDonald's from £60,000 to £40,000, although it received nothing from the
unemployed activists, known as the McLibel Two.

In July 2000, Scotland Yard awarded the two £10,000 after they had accused
the Metropolitan Police of disclosing confidential information to
investigators working for the hamburger chain during the epic trial.

McDonald's fortunes have since declined due to public fears over "mad cow"
disease and fierce competition from rivals such as Burger King, Wendy's and
Taco Bell.

It reported its first ever loss in January 2003 after closing hundreds of
restaurants around the world.

In February 2005 the European Court of Human Rights ruled the couple should
have been awarded legal aid in the epic trial. The lack of such aid
effectively denied the pair the right to a fair trial, the court ruled."

First they'd have a problem with actual damages. Then they'd have to find
someone to sue, and that can be difficult in many countries. Why waste the
money when nothing can be gained? In fact it's a good thing for these
companies since if they have any inquiries about 20 year old computer
magazines they can point elsewhere and make the problem go away. Magazine
publishing is a now business and not a then business.

Neil