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So if our code isn't a physical thing and can't be stolen, can we say the same thing for other digital files, like movies and music?
by shadesandcolour 15y ago
So if our code isn't a physical thing and can't be stolen, can we say the same thing for other digital files, like movies and music?
- chc 15y agoYes, we already do. AFAIK, the number of people who have been prosecuted for theft of a digital movie file (as opposed to violations of copyright law) is zero.
- shadesandcolour 15y agoI've definitely read things, and maybe they were just statements from the RIAA/MPAA, that said copyright infringement was exactly the same thing as theft. Or am I making that up?
- anonymoushn 15y agoIf such an assertion were true, it would be terrible for their business. Theft of a $20 object is not generally punishable by a fine of $100,000.
- msbarnett 15y agoThey're certainly happy to describe it that way in PR moves and the like, but they've only ever really sued people over copyright infringement, or pursued criminal copyright infringement charges. Actually charging a copyright infringer with criminal theft of property, as opposed to just colloquially calling such infringement theft, is a fairly novel legal tactic.
- pagekalisedown 15y agoThis is an interesting question. I wish this question was put forth to the Supreme Court.
- bo1024 15y agoOf course. This is obvious to anyone who isn't indoctrinated by copyright industry doublespeak. Copyright law is a restriction on the copying of information. Theft has no place in copyright law and never has. It is merely a perjorative term used to confuse the issue. Edit: Apologies for my angry tone. As you can tell, this really bothers me.
- jasonlotito 15y agoCan we? We have been for ages! For more than a decade now! It's an argument that's been repeated over and over and over again.