Shareware Edwin's Power Tools decompiled and became Excel PowerPlus Tools

[Edwin Tam (MS MVP)]

I’m the author of the shareware “Edwin’s Power Toolsâ€. I’m not writing to sell my shareware. But I’m sharing my recent awful experience with you

My shareware was decompiled, and modified slightly, renamed, and launched by someone as another shareware, and for a profit. This is the most immoral thing I experienced. I don't mind others copying my ideas. But it's not tolerable to STEAL my software code

The story
=======
Recently, I saw another shareware called “Excel PowerPlus Toolsâ€. I looked at the software, and surprising, its SUBSTANTIALLY INDENTICAL to mine, in terms of FUNCTIONALITY and even SOURCE CODE

How identical
1) Procedures source code are substantially identical line by line. Order of the lines are also identical
2) Order of procedures are substantially the same
3) A lot of variable name and values are the same
4) A lot of userfom designs are identical
5) A lot of controls names are identical
6) When controls are overlapped on my userforms, the same number of controls with the same names are overalapped on his userforms
7) A lot of the function names are the sam
8) I got a lot of “Edwin’s Power Tools†in my message boxes. He got “some†“Bandwood’s Power Tools†in his message boxes, even though that shareware is called “Excel PowerPlus Toolsâ€
9) I got an “abnormal†function which uses web query to do an “on-line version checkâ€. He copied that also
10) I used a special spreadsheet “matrix†to do the custom menu procedure. A very very similar spread is in that shareware also

I called the author (who is in Australia). He refused to admit that he used by software. He simply refused to admit. He insisted that he only read my user manual, and “produced a software which does the same things from scratchâ€

Any idea? Any comment? Or, any suggestions

Edwin Ta
MS MV
(e-mail address removed)

 

[Kevin Stecyk]

Edwin,

Don't give up. Don't let someone steal your intellectual property.

Here is a site that might be of assistance.

http://www.bsaa.com.au/

Click on "Report Illegal Use"...Also, I would try to touch base with someone
at this organisation. They might have some ideas for you.

Hope you are able to succeed with minimum difficulty!

Good luck and best wishes.

Regards,
Kevin

I'm the author of the shareware "Edwin's Power Tools". I'm not writing to

sell my shareware. But I'm sharing my recent awful experience with you.

My shareware was decompiled, and modified slightly, renamed, and launched

by someone as another shareware, and for a profit. This is the most immoral
thing I experienced. I don't mind others copying my ideas. But it's not
tolerable to STEAL my software code.

The story:
========
Recently, I saw another shareware called "Excel PowerPlus Tools". I looked

at the software, and surprising, its SUBSTANTIALLY INDENTICAL to mine, in
terms of FUNCTIONALITY and even SOURCE CODE.

How identical?
1) Procedures source code are substantially identical line by line. Order

of the lines are also identical.

2) Order of procedures are substantially the same.
3) A lot of variable name and values are the same.
4) A lot of userfom designs are identical.
5) A lot of controls names are identical.
6) When controls are overlapped on my userforms, the same number of

controls with the same names are overalapped on his userforms.

7) A lot of the function names are the same
8) I got a lot of "Edwin's Power Tools" in my message boxes. He got "some"

"Bandwood's Power Tools" in his message boxes, even though that shareware is
called "Excel PowerPlus Tools".

9) I got an "abnormal" function which uses web query to do an "on-line

version check". He copied that also.

10) I used a special spreadsheet "matrix" to do the custom menu procedure.

A very very similar spread is in that shareware also.

I called the author (who is in Australia). He refused to admit that he

used by software. He simply refused to admit. He insisted that he only read
my user manual, and "produced a software which does the same things from
scratch".

 

[Vasant Nanavati]

Hi Edwin:

His initials aren't D.H., by any chance, are they?

Regards,

Vasant.

I'm the author of the shareware "Edwin's Power Tools". I'm not writing to

sell my shareware. But I'm sharing my recent awful experience with you.

My shareware was decompiled, and modified slightly, renamed, and launched

by someone as another shareware, and for a profit. This is the most immoral
thing I experienced. I don't mind others copying my ideas. But it's not
tolerable to STEAL my software code.

The story:
========
Recently, I saw another shareware called "Excel PowerPlus Tools". I looked

at the software, and surprising, its SUBSTANTIALLY INDENTICAL to mine, in
terms of FUNCTIONALITY and even SOURCE CODE.

How identical?
1) Procedures source code are substantially identical line by line. Order

of the lines are also identical.

2) Order of procedures are substantially the same.
3) A lot of variable name and values are the same.
4) A lot of userfom designs are identical.
5) A lot of controls names are identical.
6) When controls are overlapped on my userforms, the same number of

controls with the same names are overalapped on his userforms.

7) A lot of the function names are the same
8) I got a lot of "Edwin's Power Tools" in my message boxes. He got "some"

"Bandwood's Power Tools" in his message boxes, even though that shareware is
called "Excel PowerPlus Tools".

9) I got an "abnormal" function which uses web query to do an "on-line

version check". He copied that also.

10) I used a special spreadsheet "matrix" to do the custom menu procedure.

A very very similar spread is in that shareware also.

I called the author (who is in Australia). He refused to admit that he

used by software. He simply refused to admit. He insisted that he only read
my user manual, and "produced a software which does the same things from
scratch".

 

[Edwin Tam (MS MVP)]

I talked to him a couple of times over the phone. The name of the author is Dennis Macdonald

I did the software testing of several version of MS Office in recent years (including PC and Mac versions). I raised this topic of Excel VBA Project protection numerous times. (So many times that's sufficient to break my keyboard.

Unfortunately, no action has been taken by Microsoft. Or, I should say, they have no plan to plan to plan to take any action on this topic. Now, finally, I'm a victim


----- Vasant Nanavati wrote: ----

Hi Edwin

His initials aren't D.H., by any chance, are they

Regards

Vasant

I'm the author of the shareware "Edwin's Power Tools". I'm not writing t

sell my shareware. But I'm sharing my recent awful experience with youby someone as another shareware, and for a profit. This is the most immora
thing I experienced. I don't mind others copying my ideas. But it's no
tolerable to STEAL my software code

=======
Recently, I saw another shareware called "Excel PowerPlus Tools". I looke

at the software, and surprising, its SUBSTANTIALLY INDENTICAL to mine, i
terms of FUNCTIONALITY and even SOURCE CODE

1) Procedures source code are substantially identical line by line. Orde

of the lines are also identical

2) Order of procedures are substantially the same
3) A lot of variable name and values are the same
4) A lot of userfom designs are identical
5) A lot of controls names are identical
6) When controls are overlapped on my userforms, the same number o

controls with the same names are overalapped on his userforms

7) A lot of the function names are the sam
8) I got a lot of "Edwin's Power Tools" in my message boxes. He got "some

"Bandwood's Power Tools" in his message boxes, even though that shareware i
called "Excel PowerPlus Tools"

9) I got an "abnormal" function which uses web query to do an "on-lin

version check". He copied that also

10) I used a special spreadsheet "matrix" to do the custom menu procedure

A very very similar spread is in that shareware alsoused by software. He simply refused to admit. He insisted that he only rea
my user manual, and "produced a software which does the same things fro
scratch"

 

[ZootRot]

The base question here is whether shareware can be copyright, or by virtue
of distribution, it is released into the public domain.
Your best bet is to speak to an intellectual property law firm. You will
need to show that the methodology, code, format, look&-fell, etc was copied,
not just the broader concept. Tough job to prove. A cease-&-desist letter
is that starting point after that.

I'm the author of the shareware "Edwin's Power Tools". I'm not writing to

sell my shareware. But I'm sharing my recent awful experience with you.

My shareware was decompiled, and modified slightly, renamed, and launched

by someone as another shareware, and for a profit. This is the most immoral
thing I experienced. I don't mind others copying my ideas. But it's not
tolerable to STEAL my software code.

The story:
========
Recently, I saw another shareware called "Excel PowerPlus Tools". I looked

at the software, and surprising, its SUBSTANTIALLY INDENTICAL to mine, in
terms of FUNCTIONALITY and even SOURCE CODE.

How identical?
1) Procedures source code are substantially identical line by line. Order

of the lines are also identical.

2) Order of procedures are substantially the same.
3) A lot of variable name and values are the same.
4) A lot of userfom designs are identical.
5) A lot of controls names are identical.
6) When controls are overlapped on my userforms, the same number of

controls with the same names are overalapped on his userforms.

7) A lot of the function names are the same
8) I got a lot of "Edwin's Power Tools" in my message boxes. He got "some"

"Bandwood's Power Tools" in his message boxes, even though that shareware is
called "Excel PowerPlus Tools".

9) I got an "abnormal" function which uses web query to do an "on-line

version check". He copied that also.

10) I used a special spreadsheet "matrix" to do the custom menu procedure.

A very very similar spread is in that shareware also.

I called the author (who is in Australia). He refused to admit that he

used by software. He simply refused to admit. He insisted that he only read
my user manual, and "produced a software which does the same things from
scratch".

 

[Keith Willshaw]

I talked to him a couple of times over the phone. The name of the author is Dennis Macdonald.

I did the software testing of several version of MS Office in recent years

(including PC and Mac versions). I raised this topic of Excel VBA Project
protection numerous times. (So many times that's sufficient to break my
keyboard.)

Unfortunately, no action has been taken by Microsoft. Or, I should say,

they have no plan to plan to plan to take any action on this topic. Now,
finally, I'm a victim.
There's little if anything Microsoft can do about this. This
is a straightforward breach of copyright , the main
problem is that of bringing an action in Australia when
you are in another country.

Someone has already mentioned http://www.bsaa.com.au/
I'd also suggest contacting the Australian copyright council
http://www.copyright.org.au/

Keith

 

[Chip Pearson]

The base question here is whether shareware can be copyright, or by virtue

of distribution, it is released into the public domain.

There is no question here. Software enjoys copyright protection like any
other work, and distribution doesn't put it in the public domain any more
than publication of a novel puts that in to the public domain.


--
Cordially,
Chip Pearson
Microsoft MVP - Excel
Pearson Software Consulting, LLC
www.cpearson.com

 

[Edwin Tam (MS MVP)]

I agree with Chip.

Copyright is implied, as long as you can show that a software is original work of yours and it contains your own ideas.
Imagine, you cannot buy a copy of Harry Portter, and use OCR to scan it into Word, and use Find and Replace to substitute all "Harry Portter" with "Mary K. Porter" and change the font and put a "unique cover" on the book and sell it with your name on it! Even with a detailed "copyright clause"!

Of course, "concept" and "feel" cannot have copyright. Just like when Microsoft copied the look and feel of the Mac OS.

But, imagine, if you were me, when you see someone's software contains THOUSANDS of lines of code which is 100% identical to yours, you'll be amazed. They are identical line by line, even variable names and control names! It's simply unbelievable. And when I actually talked to the person, I spent more than 30 minutes and still failed to convinced him to admit that he commited copyright infringement.

I began to wonder whether I should have talked to him in English or in Visual Basic. But, surely, he is not that good in VB, haha...



----- Chip Pearson wrote: -----

The base question here is whether shareware can be copyright, or by virtue
of distribution, it is released into the public domain.

There is no question here. Software enjoys copyright protection like any
other work, and distribution doesn't put it in the public domain any more
than publication of a novel puts that in to the public domain.


--
Cordially,
Chip Pearson
Microsoft MVP - Excel
Pearson Software Consulting, LLC
www.cpearson.com

 

[Kevin Stecyk]

Edwin,

As mentioned earlier, I am very hopeful you are successful in your efforts.

<<Of course, "concept" and "feel" cannot have copyright.>>

Not so sure. Remember Quattro Pro having to modify some of its interface
because it resembled too close to Lotus 1-2-3? I think there might be
something to look and feel. But I am not a intellectual property rights
lawyer.

That said, I would have to think that if you can show substantial portions
of your code being duplicated, it ought to be much easier than to prove a
"look and feel" case. However, it is still a burden for you to protect your
rights.

You might also want to consider writing to major computer magazines and
having your own website where you show clearly how your work has been
stolen. Perhaps the glare of the public spotlight will cause this person to
change his course of action. I think you should try to make his life as
uncomfortable as possible while maintaining your ethics, morals, and legal
responsibilities.

Again, good luck.

Best wishes,
Kevin

I agree with Chip.

Copyright is implied, as long as you can show that a software is original

work of yours and it contains your own ideas.

Imagine, you cannot buy a copy of Harry Portter, and use OCR to scan it

into Word, and use Find and Replace to substitute all "Harry Portter" with
"Mary K. Porter" and change the font and put a "unique cover" on the book
and sell it with your name on it! Even with a detailed "copyright clause"!

Of course, "concept" and "feel" cannot have copyright. Just like when

Microsoft copied the look and feel of the Mac OS.

But, imagine, if you were me, when you see someone's software contains

THOUSANDS of lines of code which is 100% identical to yours, you'll be
amazed. They are identical line by line, even variable names and control
names! It's simply unbelievable. And when I actually talked to the person, I
spent more than 30 minutes and still failed to convinced him to admit that
he commited copyright infringement.

I began to wonder whether I should have talked to him in English or in

Visual Basic. But, surely, he is not that good in VB, haha...

 

[Keith Willshaw]

Edwin,

As mentioned earlier, I am very hopeful you are successful in your efforts.

<<Of course, "concept" and "feel" cannot have copyright.>>

Not so sure. Remember Quattro Pro having to modify some of its interface
because it resembled too close to Lotus 1-2-3? I think there might be
something to look and feel. But I am not a intellectual property rights
lawyer.

That said, I would have to think that if you can show substantial portions
of your code being duplicated, it ought to be much easier than to prove a
"look and feel" case. However, it is still a burden for you to protect your
rights.

You are correct, more dramatic was the case that Lotus brough against
Paperback Software who's product was identical to the Lotus one
down to the keystrokes and menus used.

The test is quite stringent though, I believe that the judge in
the Microsft case declared that a general look and feel cannot
ve copyright, in that case Apple was trying to argue that
the use of icons windows and mouse were protected but
that if the products are 'virtually indentical' then that is an
infingement.

You might also want to consider writing to major computer magazines and
having your own website where you show clearly how your work has been
stolen. Perhaps the glare of the public spotlight will cause this person to
change his course of action. I think you should try to make his life as
uncomfortable as possible while maintaining your ethics, morals, and legal
responsibilities.

Agreed.

Keith

 

[Peo Sjoblom]

Uh-Oh <g>

--

Regards,

Peo Sjoblom

Hi Edwin:


His initials aren't D.H., by any chance, are they?

Regards,

Vasant.

to
sell my shareware. But I'm sharing my recent awful experience with you. launched
by someone as another shareware, and for a profit. This is the most immoral
thing I experienced. I don't mind others copying my ideas. But it's not
tolerable to STEAL my software code. looked
at the software, and surprising, its SUBSTANTIALLY INDENTICAL to mine, in
terms of FUNCTIONALITY and even SOURCE CODE. Order
of the lines are also identical.
controls with the same names are overalapped on his userforms. "some"
"Bandwood's Power Tools" in his message boxes, even though that shareware is
called "Excel PowerPlus Tools".
version check". He copied that also. procedure.
A very very similar spread is in that shareware also.
used by software. He simply refused to admit. He insisted that he only read
my user manual, and "produced a software which does the same things from
scratch".

 

[Darren Hill]

Why?
From someone whose initials are D.H.

 

[Harald Staff]

Why?
From someone whose initials are D.H.

Don't think you're a suspect, Darren.
.... Now turn left and look straight into the camera please

Best wishes Harald
Followup to newsgroup only please.

 

[Dave Peterson]

And please speak directly into the pen lying in front of you.

 

[Peter T]

Normally a thief runs to ground and disposes of his wares
surreptitiously. But in this type of case seems he can
openly and proudly trade his ill-gotten gains.

A quick search of the renamed title shows it is being
distributed by big name download sites, eg ZDnet,
effectively if unwittingly trading in stolen goods. Have
you thought of contacting the likes of these.

Curiosity, apart from VBA password did you use any other
means to protect your code, eg com/dll.

Regards,
Peter

-----Original Message-----
Iâ?Tm the author of the shareware â?oEdwinâ?Ts Power

Toolsâ?. Iâ?Tm not writing to sell my shareware. But Iâ?
Tm sharing my recent awful experience with you.

My shareware was decompiled, and modified slightly,

renamed, and launched by someone as another shareware, and
for a profit. This is the most immoral thing I
experienced. I don't mind others copying my ideas. But
it's not tolerable to STEAL my software code.

The story:
========
Recently, I saw another shareware called â?oExcel

PowerPlus Toolsâ?. I looked at the software, and
surprising, its SUBSTANTIALLY INDENTICAL to mine, in terms
of FUNCTIONALITY and even SOURCE CODE.

How identical?
1) Procedures source code are substantially identical

line by line. Order of the lines are also identical.

2) Order of procedures are substantially the same.
3) A lot of variable name and values are the same.
4) A lot of userfom designs are identical.
5) A lot of controls names are identical.
6) When controls are overlapped on my userforms, the same

number of controls with the same names are overalapped on
his userforms.

7) A lot of the function names are the same
8) I got a lot of â?oEdwinâ?Ts Power Toolsâ? in my

message boxes. He got â?osomeâ? â?oBandwoodâ?Ts Power
Toolsâ? in his message boxes, even though that shareware
is called â?oExcel PowerPlus Toolsâ?.

9) I got an â?oabnormalâ? function which uses web query

to do an â?oon-line version checkâ?. He copied that also.

10) I used a special spreadsheet â?omatrixâ? to do the

custom menu procedure. A very very similar spread is in
that shareware also.

I called the author (who is in Australia). He refused to

admit that he used by software. He simply refused to
admit. He insisted that he only read my user manual, and â?
oproduced a software which does the same things from
scratchâ?.

 

[Darren Hill]

--
Darren

And please speak directly into the pen lying in front of you.

 

[Adam Neal]

VASANT,

Did you have anyone in mind when you suggested the initials D.H.? I
know a D.H. in Australia who produces AddIns for excel and I must say
that HIS credibility and honesty are above reproach. He is one of the
most outstanding people I know within the worldwide Excel community.
It be be a shame for his reputation to be tarnished by virtue of the
fact that he the same initials as some one you suspect of being a
thieving grub.

Regards
Adam

 

[Rob Bovey]

Hi Adam,

There is a specific D.H. located in Australia, who while isn't a
thieving grub to my knowledge, pretends to be an accomplished Excel
developer but yet seems to be lacking in the most rudimentary skills
required of that art, as he personally demonstrated during his last
appearance in this newsgroups roughly a year and a half ago. I'll let
everyone continue with the puzzle. <g>

--
Rob Bovey, MCSE, MCSD, Excel MVP
Application Professionals
http://www.appspro.com/

* Please post all replies to this newsgroup *
* I delete all unsolicited e-mail responses *

 

[Adam Neal]

Hi Rob,

Thank you for taking the time to reply on Vasants behalf.

Yes I am aware of part of the history involved and wish to have
nothing to do with this as it is many levels beneath where I am coming
from.

As your reply would seem to verify, the use of initials was a very
thinly disguised attempt at making a direct accusation. What I wanted
to know from Vasant is:
Was your statement a serious accusation that you believed D.H. was
responsible for such a despicable act or was it just a cowardly and
spiteful remark not meant to be taken seriously?

Regards
Adam

 

[Dave Hawley]

Bovey, it is a shame that some MVP's feel threatend by my precence in
newsgroups simply because I show the likes of you for what you are,
arrogant, rude and self-serving. It looks like since I have left (for
bigger and better) you have not changed and now even prove beyond
doubt just how "professional" you really are (not). It also appears
you will only try to attack and run another person down when you think
they will no find out, I guess that means we can now add the word
"coward" to you list of traits.

You of all people are NOT worthy of you MVP status and all I can
suggest is you get a life and grow up.

Don't bother replying as I will not.


Dave
www.ozgrid.com