Re:Did You Say “Intellectual Property”? It's a Seductive Mirage
by logicallee on Sunday May 18, 2014 @05:37PM
(#7764525)
> The clearest way out of the confusion is to reject the term entirely.
Not really - just like the clearest way to separate criminal and civil liability isn't to just stop using the word "illegal".
The easiest way is to just learn the distinction. It doesn't take long.
It takes about 30 seconds to explain intellectual property (copyright = exact original content, patent = protects a general mechanism, nobody can solve the same problem the same way, trademark = about consumer confusion, only one company can use a word or other thing to sell a specific type of product).
Actually that was more like 15 seconds, wasn't it?
I have absolutely no problem with calling all of the above intellectual property, because all of it keeps me from doing certain things, just like I'm not allowed to walk on some tiles just because they happen to be in the middle of my neighbor's house, and his property is protected by law. I'm not just referring to taking them - I can't even walk on them without his permission. Property rights are a fine expression. If it causes confusion, this can be cleared up directly.
Not really - just like the clearest way to separate criminal and civil liability isn't to just stop using the word "illegal".
The easiest way is to just learn the distinction. It doesn't take long.
It takes about 30 seconds to explain intellectual property (copyright = exact original content, patent = protects a general mechanism, nobody can solve the same problem the same way, trademark = about consumer confusion, only one company can use a word or other thing to sell a specific type of product).
Actually that was more like 15 seconds, wasn't it?
I have absolutely no problem with calling all of the above intellectual property, because all of it keeps me from doing certain things, just like I'm not allowed to walk on some tiles just because they happen to be in the middle of my neighbor's house, and his property is protected by law. I'm not just referring to taking them - I can't even walk on them without his permission. Property rights are a fine expression. If it causes confusion, this can be cleared up directly.
I just don't see the problem here.