The idea that the copyright to a piece of artwork is an asset which can be owned, and therefore stolen, is a relatively recent invention of dubious social utili

The idea that the copyright to a piece of artwork is an asset which can be owned, and therefore stolen, is a relatively recent invention of dubious social utility. For this completely new field of human endeavor, we could choose many different precedents to apply when inventing rules of conduct. The history of private property is rife with abuse and exploitation. We should not rush to extend such ideas into new arenas.