Copyright Law

A contemplation on the use of the term "piracy" [Piracy #101]

By Ty Rogers and Ray Beckerman

The RIAA/MPAA cartel have been fond of using the term "piracy" as a synonym for "copyright infringement".

This is pure propaganda intended to distort and confuse the public.

Historically, the term "piracy" was used by copyright lawyers to describe a sub-species of copyright infringement: the large scale reproduction of exact copies for commercial purposes.

As you know, not a one of the 40,000 or so cases brought by the RIAA against individuals involved "piracy".

In the modern 21st century, we have actual piracy going on in certain parts of the world, where people's lives are threatened for money and they are held captive unless a ransom is paid.

Does the behavior of those real life pirates sound like that of the defendants in the RIAA cases, or more like that of the plaintiffs?

Just a thought.

-R.B.

Keywords: lawyer digital copyright law online internet law legal download upload peer to peer p2p file sharing filesharing music movies indie independent label freeculture creative commons pop/rock artists riaa independent mp3 cd favorite songs intellectual property portable music player

Full post as published by Recording Industry vs The People on February 22, 2009 (boomark / email).