The Library of Congress, which has the power to define exceptions to an important copyright law, said on Monday that it was legal to bypass a phone’s controls on what software it will run to get “lawfully obtained” programs to work.

via www.nytimes.com

App developers, rejoice!  The Library of Congress has brought down the walls around Apple’s walled garden.  Developers can a) circumvent Apple’s copyright restrictions to deliver non-Apple-approved apps to the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch; and b) leverage the wireless connectivity provided by those devices.

Who knew the Library of Congress had such awesome power!   It’s news to me.  Follow this link to read the ruling – for the impatient, go immediately to bullets (2) and (3).

Why do we need more apps, with over 225,000 apps on the app store and 5 billion downloads by June 2010?  Judge for yourself: rejected apps range from the silly to the baffling.

Apple seemed bent on making itself the Mayberry of content.  Let porn, gambling and pureplay ads reside on the Internet.  Keep apps on the Apple platform squeaky clean and support Apple’s premium positioning.  Let Android be the place for everyone else’s apps.

Who will benefit?  Clear beneficiaries include:

• developers impatient with Apple’s review process
• advertisers seeking a more direct appeal to audiences
• content creators who want unfettered creativity
• entrepreneurs pushing the boundaries of what a the combination of high-speed wireless connection, GPS, gyroscope, touch screen and rich media can provide, and
• of course, porn, gambling and all the other naughty and nasty vices that are publicly condemned and privately enjoyed.

Any guess on how long it will take to get Adobe Flash on the platform?

Tia Ba started working for my family 7 years ago and for Tipping Point since the day we started the business in 2005.  Tia has now decided to change her perspective by moving 20 feet down the hall to a wonderful opportunity at Rapid Ratings, a Tipping Point portfolio company that Tia has helped nurture in the financial administration role for over a year.

6 years ago, I met Christine Brown and wanted to work with her. 4 years later I finally got my wish. Now, she’s moving 3,000 miles away to follow love and theater. Both Andy and the Seattle theater scene are very fortunate.

Tia and Christine have been intrinsic elements of Tipping Point’s growth and development, supporting our clients, portfolio companies, our team and me with dedication and joie de vivre. Neither Tipping Point nor I would be where we are today without you. Thank you.

Additions: I am very pleased to announce the following additions to Tipping Point Partners:

Aliza Pearlson (pronounced a-lee’-za) (aliza@tippingpointpartners.com) started this week as the “new Christine” and will be developing a very ambitious Tipping Point events calendar, starting off with activities in support of our new incubator, which will launch July 15. Aliza comes to us via stints at Hermès, Penguin/Perry Ellis and Columbia University Press. Aliza grew up in Florida and graduated from Barnard.

Kara Martin (kara@tippingpointpartners.com) started a couple weeks ago as Tipping Point’s Controller, working with Tipping Point’s CFO, Stan Lau. Kara will help Stan further professionalize Tipping Point’s financial management capabilities for our clients, portfolio companies, and our own operations. Kara is a CPA and certified Pilates instructor who comes to us via HBO, CBS/Viacom, Insound and FTI. Kara grew up in Massachusetts and graduated from UMass, Amherst.