[rtbathula]

The findings of the Lexmark International case(the link you have provided) are very important to understand in this context, as they provide us with all the information we need.

1. Is the software lock protected by copyright law? If so, no one should copy it.

2. Did McDonald's/Taylor defraud the users? If so, the users can sue them.

3. Is Kytch copying the software lock and selling it? If so, that would be a violation. However, you have said that they are not copying it; they are simply reading error codes and providing a different output. In that case, I do not see why they would need to invoke DMCA 1201 for an exemption. This is a completely different situation, like someone creating a keyboard or stand for my laptop. Kytch should apply for their own copyright in this case. Their appeal should be made in this direction.