Quote:
Originally Posted by mrkai
"Originally Posted by Steve Jordan
Okay, then, here's the question:
Is an electronic version of a property considered to be a coherent thing that can be stolen? Would the supposition that an electronic document is created "from nothing" be considered a "subterfuge" in such a case? (Okay, 2 questions...)"
It isn't theft because you aren't depriving anyone of property. No one ca steal a copy of an electronic anything from anyone, because they still have it.
"Potential revenue' isn't YOUR property. "Potential revenue" isn't...anything 
You are infringing on their exclusive distribution rights. So no, an electronic version of a property by definition, and law, cannot be stolen. |
However, intellectual property CAN be stolen in the U.S., and when you make unauthorized copies of an e-book, you are stealing intellectual property. U.S. law makes it clear that IP needs to be protected, specifically because of people who feel that others do not deserve due compensation for their ideas simply because they are not physical objects, and rob them of "potential sales." (Smart guys, those Founding Fathers.)