Originally Posted by
Shaolin Wookie
How can anyone own the right to copy? Here's my point: IP cannot be rationally defended, because it requries a property right that inteferes with the property rights of third parties. In other words, IP requires the violation of property rights in principle.
Some musician sells me his CD or mp3 via a middle-man. That middle-man (Itunes, the recording studio, etc) tells me that I can't copy the thing that I buy. Only he or the musician can copy that material. If I do copy it and distribute it for profit, I violate a federal statute and copyright law. That's the law, as you said. Now, please explain to me how can anyone own the right to copy? In order to copyright mateiral, someone has to own (1) my copying materials, (2) the material copied, and (3) my freedom to copy material. I bought the computer that I copy material with, I own the CD / mp3 that I paid for, and (3) I am free to copy that material. The only thing that stops me is the government's IP goonsquads. What is the rational justification for this, except that some musician and recording studio wish to interfere with my freedom in order to maximize profits by shutting out competitors? It's crony capitalism, pat.
B/C there is no rational justification for IP, then no pro-IP arguments can depend upon rational argumentation for their support.
Hence, you don't have to defend your position on IP. The government does it for you, and you have no recourse to reason b/c IP makes no sense. It's just hte law.