Re: Um....
No, IBM published the BIOS and circuit diagrams. When you looked at clone circuits, they often used 'equivalent' circuitry and BIOS, slightly changing the gates and code to perform the exact same function. I could put copied IBM roms into my clone motherboard, which allowed me to run Basic and other apps tied to the IBM BIOS.
Note: not everyone could get their hands on this info ;-) I worked for a company that serviced IBM gear and 'found' a few manuals.
Biting the hand that feeds IT
