JOHN DEERE


threes. 

Darren Has-ans
Manager. LIE- Seine - Eastem Region

Gee-g Hart
Manager. LIE- Sedans -' i'il'estem Region

3D Aptil 2015

John Deere Dealers.

As you may know. Wired Magazine has posted an online editorial criticizing Deere for taking steps to protect its

intellectual property rights in software code embedded in Deere equipment.

The full editorial is available at:

The author of the editorial mistakenly claims that

 

BREE Iii-E  that JDl'If'l DEEIE tilt] actually lhEll' JDi'if'l equipment.

While untrue. this claim is not surprisingly generating ooncem and questions from you and our customers. To not
only help you understand Deere's position but to also help you respond to customer inquiries. consider the
following:

There is no question that Deere customers own the equipment that they purchase.

Deere?s number one priority is to design and manufacture safe equipment that provides value and
performance for our customers. its designed. our software enables equipment to perform safely.
ef?ciently and accurately.

Similar to a car or computer. ownership of equipment does not include the right to copy. modify or
distribute software that is embedded in that equipment. A purchaser may own a booit. but heishe does
not have a right to copy the boo-tr. to madly the boat: or to distribute unauthorised copies to others.
Current copyright law mat-res it illegal to bypass secirity measures in equipment that prevent
unauthorized access to copyrighted works. including software rleiated to guidance. eng'ne performance
and entenainment functions.

A proposed revision to the current law would allow oiliners of equtiment. including Deere competitors or
software developers. to access or to hacir Deere's protected software to repair. diagnose. or modify any
vet-ride sofhirare.

In order to maintain the right to enforce copyright protection and protect its product and software
investmentisl. Deere. other manufacturers and industry trade associations have opposed this revision-
Embedded software is desigted and tested to ensure equipment works in certain. expected ways.
Software modifications increase the risk that equipment will not fUnction as designed- As a result.
allowing unqualified individuals to haclr or modify equipment software can endanger Deere customers.
deals-rs and enters; and may result in equipment that no longer cornpties with industry and safety
standards or Environmental regulations-

In addition. AEM provided comments and a concise summary of Deere's position at:
http'?copvrio ht.qovi12?1i2l31Sfcornrnents-
0331 ?fclassii-EEDEt inssociation of Equip menl Manufacturers Clas s21 1201 21314de

If you have questions or need additional assistance. contact any member of your field team-

Sincerely.

WM

Manager. LLE- Sales - Eastern Regen

3-

Manager. U5- Sales - Western Region