Legality Issue of getting a AES cover reproduced

[AndyB]

I have managed to pick up a English copy of Metal Slug for the AES but without its cover or instructions.

What is the opinion on getting them reproduced - i.e. if I got someone to take their instructions and manual to a professional printer to get an exact 1:1 copy, would that be an infringement on copyright?

If not, does anyone know someone who has this game and would like to earn a lot of money by sorting it out for me?

AndyB

[Londonner]

Legally speaking, any un-authorised (ie. no written prior consent from the owner of the copyright) copying is an infringement and therefore illegal.

Ethically speaking, if you wish to lead a puritanical life and go to heaven etc. etc. then you should follow the letter of the law, as above.

Realistically speaking, as long as you don't sell the replicated material, who cares. A SWAT team isn't going to come crashing through your window to confiscate your replicated manual, nor any lawyers going to take you to court.

If it's for yourself, I don't see the legal, nor ethical, harm in making your game box look pretty.

[AndyB]

That's what I thought. The game would be for me - I just want it to look like its supposed to do!

[Geezer]

How much did you get Slug for out of interest(if you don't mind saying of course)?

Geezer

[AndyB]

I got 23 Neo Geo games for 700 - Metal Slug was one of them.

[Jashin]

Is Metal Slug definitely an original cart and not a conversion? The cynic in me says that someone is unlikely to have such a rare cart without the box, inlay and instructions. Not that it matters if you just want to play the game of course

[ince]

was this from ebay

[Geezer]

Jashin-That's exactly why I asked, I'm pretty sure it'd be a conversion as you would have to be a mug to lose the manual and the case for such a rare and important game

I can't wait until I get a Neo and good quality Slug conversion, it's gonna be great

[AndyB]

Further inspection would lead me to beleive it is a copy. And yes, I was the winner of the eBay auction.

AndyB

[VR46]

Andy, does this page help ?

http://www.nickthfury.com/insert/metalslug.htm