Microcode and the protection of intellectual effort

Abstract

We believe that the intellectual efforts of persons should be protected, but that the needs of society must be protected, too. Substantial interest in this issue, as it pertains to the protection of microcode, has prompted the preparation of this paper as a position statement to initiate discussion at the 18th International Microprogramming Workshop. We describe the relevant protection mechanisms and some of the nuances regarding them. We describe the important characteristics of microcode. Finally, we assume an advocacy position.