[LINK] Copyright Infringement as Stealing: Pfft!

[Brendan Scott]

Copyright Infringement as Stealing: Pfft!
http://brendanscott.wordpress.com/2008/10/27/copyright-infringement-as-stealing-pfft/

Summary

Infringement does not appear to fit the meaning of stealing or theft because an infringement does not involve either a taking or a deprivation.  Further, intangible rights seem almost impossible to steal by definition.  To use the infringement-as-stealing meme demonstrates something of a lack of respect for language and consequently a lack of respect for the people to whom you are speaking.