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This is fun to say, but the problem with it is that unauthorized copying never was stealing.
by Zambyte 3y ago
This is fun to say, but the problem with it is that unauthorized copying never was stealing.
- hackerlight 3y agoDepends on the definition of "stealing" and whether you consider intellectual property to be private property. Private property is a social construct and it seems you've subjectively decided to exclude intellectual property from your definition of private property. That's fine but realize that this decision is a subjective one. It is no more or less absurd that I can "own" a collection of atoms as it is that I can "own" an arrangement of bits. They are both absurd notions. But we subscribe to these ideas because they are useful.
- NotYourLawyer 3y agoIP is certainly private property under the laws of pretty much every developed nation. But infringement of IP rights is not “stealing” under any laws I’m aware of.
- missedthecue 3y agoIf I (unauthorized) take the AutoCAD design files of something, say a next-gen semiconductor, is it theft? The law would say yes. This guy went to prison for it. https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/pr/former-engineer-sentenced-possessing-stolen-semiconductor-trade-secret https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/pr/former-engineer-sentenced... Of course if you just make a best effort to immitate the design of something, say a new Ferrari, you might get a lawsuit but won't go to prison. Just like immitating a piece of music, you won't go to jail, it'll be hashed out in the civil courts.
- NotYourLawyer 3y agoOk, valid point. Trade secret misappropriation is called theft sometimes. I was thinking more of patents, copyrights, and trademarks.
- madsbuch 3y agoI think, in a legal term it has to be physical property. That is what the commenter is referring to.