"R.A. Cantrell" wrote:
>
> Do certain forms, or levels, of code transcend the concept of property?
Of course. There are always exceptions to ownership.
The "eminent domain" concept is one although not an
analogous one. We're not really talking property here
as much as we are talking ownership. You can't
copyright obvious inventions. There are other
limitations. I think what will become the rule of thumb
about software use is the current lawsuit involving
JPEGs. I haven't followed this as closely as I would
have liked but the gist is that the person(s) who
developed the JPEG never enforced their copyright and
now that the copyright is lapsing, they want everybody
to pay or stop using it. Interesting to see what the
courts have to say.
William
PS: As for the Soviet analogy, let's not forget what
happened to the Tsar, as well.
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