I'm not sure why you guys are jumping down PPS's throat.

He's probably still rather fresh over hammering out IP issues with his remake, so cut him some slack on this topic.

Truth is, if you do something that infringes on IP or it's copyright for personal use you'll likely be fine. When you try to sell it (or even distribute it freely), you can get into some hot water.

If I'm making a re-themed pinball machine, I'd expect to use it for personal use. If I expected to sell it, I'll also understand that there's going to be some money owing to the IP's owner.

It has nothing to with his loss. His bipolar antics are behind my comments. He's determined to follow me around pinside and derail topics. All he has to do is stop, and I won't respond.

Back on topic:

I think there's some good cases for copyright infringements. The pin 2K software or arcade game roms that aren't available anymore are good examples.

Exchange the word "cases", with the word "reasons".

You're right about those examples not being tried, and held up a shining examples of legal precedent. The premise is the opinion that violating copyright can be a positive avenue....although not a purely legal one.

Take the P2K software, that I mentioned as an example.

Nucore developed a replacement software/hardware resource (under license). They stopped producing the product, and another programmer picked up and modified/optimized their work to allow any hardware to be used. Did Pinbox receive legal action? I don't think they did (I could be mistaken). But they did pull down hosted links to their release. Cease and desist order perhaps?

Would you use Pinbox to get a dead pin2K machine working? I know I would, facing no other options.

Making a p-roc game that borrowed unlicensed material, then releasing it is a crap shoot. Selling it, instead of releasing it freely as a fan-based mod changes the stakes even more so. If the OP really wants to be truly safe, the only way is to contact the license holder and ask for permission.