Do you have a persuasive (to you) argument for it?
Is the structure of that argument the same as the structure of your argument for physical property? (in which case my argument would be that there are very relevant differences)
There are pragmatic arguments against it: The costs copyright and patents impose on the market are huge. Not the prices, but all the good things that become difficult or illegal to do.
On principle: even if an IP system has some practical benefit, we usually set a pretty high bar for restricting people's communication or creativity. Is copying properly up there with fraud and slander?
I think we can come up with much better ways to pay for art. (Kickstarter is one.)
Respectfully, I asked if you had an argument against IP that worked for those of us who do not believe that the whole concept of private property is flawed. I asked because you said "next question". Asking me to justify IP is not responsive to my question.
The only argument I see in here is that copying might not be on a par with fraud and slander. Frankly, I'm a lot more worried about criminalizing slander than I am about criminalizing copying. Slander law actually does clamp down on free speech. Copyright law just prevents free-riding.
> Frankly, I'm a lot more worried about criminalizing slander than I am about criminalizing copying. Slander law actually does clamp down on free speech. Copyright law just prevents free-riding.
Indeed, I think the area of IP with the most significant impact on free speech is the one that hardly gets talked about: trademark. Causes of action for dilution and tarnishment have major free speech implications. IMHO, 15 USC 1125 is unconstitutional to the extent it allows an action for tarnishment.
Is the structure of that argument the same as the structure of your argument for physical property? (in which case my argument would be that there are very relevant differences)
There are pragmatic arguments against it: The costs copyright and patents impose on the market are huge. Not the prices, but all the good things that become difficult or illegal to do.
On principle: even if an IP system has some practical benefit, we usually set a pretty high bar for restricting people's communication or creativity. Is copying properly up there with fraud and slander?
I think we can come up with much better ways to pay for art. (Kickstarter is one.)