01-14-2010, 02:52 PM
Ahh, typical response there Pete.
Firstly, Blizz has a presence in the Netherlands. So we can get them here.
Secondly, even if they don't show, they can be fined and their assets can be confiscated in the country and at the border.
Thirdly, even if they hadn't got a presence here, there's a wee little problem that the Netherlands is a trading hub to and from Europe. Not only would Activision be blocked to the Dutch Market, it also can't ship through the Netherlands, creating a logistical nightmare. Not that a judge would likely go so far over an authenticator, but in other cases it's possible.
Fourthly, but I'm not sure about that, The Netherlands can, in extreme cases, go to the EU. Ask Microsoft about their experience with Neelie Kroes and you know how much that can bite.:)
Fifthly, all the above is moot, because our judges are pansies. If this goes to court and they get convicted of an economical crime, Blizz will at the worst be fined for a few pennies (relatively speaking) once. They'll gladly pay up to keep access to the (rich) Dutch consumers who buy their products. I don't think a judge can forbid the use of authenticators, but a judge can forbid that consumers have to pay for it since it unlocks a product they already paid for. So Blizz would have to give out the authenticators for free (which I expect they will do anyhow), pay a fine, and the story would end.
Firstly, Blizz has a presence in the Netherlands. So we can get them here.
Secondly, even if they don't show, they can be fined and their assets can be confiscated in the country and at the border.
Thirdly, even if they hadn't got a presence here, there's a wee little problem that the Netherlands is a trading hub to and from Europe. Not only would Activision be blocked to the Dutch Market, it also can't ship through the Netherlands, creating a logistical nightmare. Not that a judge would likely go so far over an authenticator, but in other cases it's possible.
Fourthly, but I'm not sure about that, The Netherlands can, in extreme cases, go to the EU. Ask Microsoft about their experience with Neelie Kroes and you know how much that can bite.:)
Fifthly, all the above is moot, because our judges are pansies. If this goes to court and they get convicted of an economical crime, Blizz will at the worst be fined for a few pennies (relatively speaking) once. They'll gladly pay up to keep access to the (rich) Dutch consumers who buy their products. I don't think a judge can forbid the use of authenticators, but a judge can forbid that consumers have to pay for it since it unlocks a product they already paid for. So Blizz would have to give out the authenticators for free (which I expect they will do anyhow), pay a fine, and the story would end.
Former www.diablo2.com webmaster.
When in deadly danger,
When beset by doubt,
Run in little circles,
Wave your arms and shout.
When in deadly danger,
When beset by doubt,
Run in little circles,
Wave your arms and shout.