Copyright

[Michael Holley]

It looks like you can copy a ROM into RAM to run the program if it is an 
essential step.

http://www.copyright.gov/title17/92chap1.html#117
§ 117. Limitations on exclusive rights: Computer programs

(a) Making of Additional Copy or Adaptation by Owner of Copy. - 
Notwithstanding the provisions of section 106, it is not an infringement for 
the owner of a copy of a computer program to make or authorize the making of 
another copy or adaptation of that computer program provided:

(1) that such a new copy or adaptation is created as an essential step in 
the utilization of the computer program in conjunction with a machine and 
that it is used in no other manner, or

(2) that such new copy or adaptation is for archival purposes only and that 
all archival copies are destroyed in the event that continued possession of 
the computer program should cease to be rightful.

Michael Holley