A next problem is that software replaces physical objects by small computer files. Such files have the twin attributes of what economists call public goods: Th

A next problem is that software replaces physical objects by small computer files. Such files have the twin attributes of what economists call public goods: The good must be inexhaustible (my use doesn’t preclude your use or reuse). The good must be non-excludable (the existence of the good means that everyone can benefit from it even if they do not pay for it).