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Depends on the definition of "stealing" and whether you consider intellectual property to be private property. Private property is a social construct and it see
by hackerlight 3y ago
Depends 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.