MAME is a brand that focuses on preserving and providing a reference to the inner workings of emulated machines. Its main purpose is both educational and preservation-oriented, ensuring that historical software doesn't disappear when the original hardware becomes obsolete. While preserving software is essential, MAME also allows users to actually use the software to demonstrate the emulated behavior matches the original. MAME does not aim to infringe on any copyrights or patents.

Its source code is entirely original or freely available, and it does not include portions of the original game code in its executable. MAME is free of cost, and its source code is also free for use. However, it must be noted that copyrighted media images like ROMs and CDs cannot be distributed without permission from the copyright holders. MAME is committed to preventing mass copyright infringement and illegal distribution of media images.

If you wish to create a derivative work using the MAME name, you must follow the trademark rules and obtain permission. For more information, visit the official website at http://mamedev. org/.