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> If what I create with my mind isn't my property, then what you create with your hand isn't yours either. That implication is not a logical necessity. There i

> If what I create with my mind isn't my property, then what you create with your hand isn't yours either. That implication is not a logical necessity. There is a big distinction: if I take away the thing you made with your hands from you, you have one fewer thing, and I have one more thing. If I learn or copy what you have in your mind, both of us have something. I cannot take it away from you. Also, the whole phrase "Intellectual Property" is a misleading thing that should not be used in any reasonable discussion, because it derails the arguments by unifying a bunch of pretty different things[1]. We should be calling copyright, patents, and trademarks what they are: they are not properties, they are monopolies authorized by the government (trade secrets may be a bit distinct here). Perhaps authorized monopoly is a more accurate term than "intellectual property". cf. [2] [1] https://www.gnu.org/philosophy/not-ipr.en.html https://www.gnu.org/philosophy/not-ipr.en.html [2] http://www.locusmag.com/Perspectives/2016/11/cory-doctorow-sole-and-despotic-dominion/ http://www.locusmag.com/Perspectives/2016/11/cory-doctorow-s...

killjoywashere 9y ago
Ok, but to the original point, which was Uber aiding and abetting Levandowski's taking away specific documents (do you admit that a document is a thing?) which were trade secrets: surely that qualifies as theft of valid intellectual property. Also, you, like almost everyone in this economy, makes their money on the work product of their mind. Some is more pilferable than others, but if you disagree, how about you just share your screen with me at all times, and I can share that screen with whomever I want?
- scroogl3d 9y ago
  "svn checkout" of something you were a core developer of and could fetch 14k files. Not negating your point but putting it in perspective. Downloading and archiving your own work email inbox is also far from uncommon I'm sure. Doesn't imply you definitely have a specific use for it.
  - xapata 9y ago
    Far from uncommon among folks preparing to steal company property when they quit. I don't know anyone who downloads their email archive when the situation is normal.
xapata 9y ago
Regardless of the accuracy of the phrase, it seems to be effective at communicating what I mean. And as we all know, what you'd be taking away from me isn't knowledge but profit from that knowledge. I'm now reminded of those fairy tales where the witch takes the promise of someone's future child.

killjoywashere 9y ago

Ok, but to the original point, which was Uber aiding and abetting Levandowski's taking away specific documents (do you admit that a document is a thing?) which were trade secrets: surely that qualifies as theft of valid intellectual property. Also, you, like almost everyone in this economy, makes their money on the work product of their mind. Some is more pilferable than others, but if you disagree, how about you just share your screen with me at all times, and I can share that screen with whomever I want?

scroogl3d 9y ago
"svn checkout" of something you were a core developer of and could fetch 14k files. Not negating your point but putting it in perspective. Downloading and archiving your own work email inbox is also far from uncommon I'm sure. Doesn't imply you definitely have a specific use for it.
- xapata 9y ago
  Far from uncommon among folks preparing to steal company property when they quit. I don't know anyone who downloads their email archive when the situation is normal.

xapata 9y ago

Regardless of the accuracy of the phrase, it seems to be effective at communicating what I mean. And as we all know, what you'd be taking away from me isn't knowledge but profit from that knowledge. I'm now reminded of those fairy tales where the witch takes the promise of someone's future child.