Quote:
Originally Posted by Elfwreck
It also falls short when describing derivatives/transformative works based on something else. While an unauthorized comic book version of a movie (or vice-versa) may be copyright infringement, it's hard to think of it as "theft."
|
I agree. I own the Beatles's White Album and Jay-Z's Black Album. I also have a copy of DJ Dangermouse's mash-up, the Grey Album. I have legally paid for all of the music used to make the Grey Album, and have the album with DJ Dangermouse's permission. It's still copyright infringement for me to have it.
Quote:
|
Except that it's not always illegal. It's definitely not always criminal; in many situations, it's entirely a civil offense, and it's up to the copyright holder to decide whether or not to attempt to stop it.
|
It's even more complicated as the copyright may be bought and sold, or owned by multiple parties. There is no certain way to determine who even holds a copyright, or whose permission you need to seek out to ask for additional usage rights.
Quote:
|
When I'm being technical, I say "unauthorized copying." That makes it clear that the legalities are debatable. In casual conversation, I use the term "piracy."
|
There's also unauthorized distribution, unauthorized performance, unauthorized use and specific license violations. I'm personally a fan of having entirely new laws drafted covering the rights and obligations of digital property. Trying to shoehorn it into any existing category is bound to fail.