Intellectual Property and Internet Piracy Essay -- Exploratory Essays

Intellectual Property and Internet Piracy With the emergence of the Internet, intellectual property faces a new dimension of crisis. Intellectual property has become an even more significant issue because of that. According to World Intellectual Property Organization, â€Å"Intellectual property refers to creations of the mind: inventions, literary and artistic works, and symbols, names, images, and designs used in commerce.† (WIPO 2003) Works online are easy to be copied/reproduced or altered such as art work, software, and articles. Although piracy has existed for a long time, the Internet has made piracy never been easier with a click of mouse. In the following paragraphs will explore issues regarding piracy and ownership, solution to the crisis of intellectual property, and the paradox of invention of new technology. Intellectual property has become much more difficult to maintain because of the enormous capacity of the Internet which is mainly self-regulated and promotes freedom of speech. Art works whether it is an image, a song, or a movie can be easily uploaded and downloaded on the Internet. For example, MP3 files compress music files into a small file thereby allowing users to upload and download much more rapidly and effortlessly. Music-swapping not only not realizing music artists’ efforts and have caused the music industry loose huge amount of record selling and decrease their profits. Remember the infamous Napster lawsuit where Napster was being sued for its copyright infringement. Furthermore, not only software can be downloaded from the Internet, the registration codes can also be cracked down, therefore, people can use the software as long as they like instead of using the trial version. People ... ...cyberlaw/archives/11_02_decoy.htm>, consulted on November 24, 2003. * The Massachusetts Daily Collegian (2003). â€Å"Today: the solution to music piracy surfaces†. Online at: , consulted on November 24, 2003. * GameSpy Industries (2003). â€Å"Software Piracy Report: Part 1†. Online at: , consulted on November 10, 2003. * CCIPS (2003). â€Å"Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS): Protecting Intellectual Property Rights: Copyrights, Trademarks and Trade Secrets†. Online at: , consulted on November 10, 2003. * CNN.com (2003). â€Å"Napster shutdown seen as potential boon for competitors†. Online at: , consulted on November 20, 2003. Intellectual Property and Internet Piracy Essay -- Exploratory Essays Intellectual Property and Internet Piracy With the emergence of the Internet, intellectual property faces a new dimension of crisis. Intellectual property has become an even more significant issue because of that. According to World Intellectual Property Organization, â€Å"Intellectual property refers to creations of the mind: inventions, literary and artistic works, and symbols, names, images, and designs used in commerce.† (WIPO 2003) Works online are easy to be copied/reproduced or altered such as art work, software, and articles. Although piracy has existed for a long time, the Internet has made piracy never been easier with a click of mouse. In the following paragraphs will explore issues regarding piracy and ownership, solution to the crisis of intellectual property, and the paradox of invention of new technology. Intellectual property has become much more difficult to maintain because of the enormous capacity of the Internet which is mainly self-regulated and promotes freedom of speech. Art works whether it is an image, a song, or a movie can be easily uploaded and downloaded on the Internet. For example, MP3 files compress music files into a small file thereby allowing users to upload and download much more rapidly and effortlessly. Music-swapping not only not realizing music artists’ efforts and have caused the music industry loose huge amount of record selling and decrease their profits. Remember the infamous Napster lawsuit where Napster was being sued for its copyright infringement. Furthermore, not only software can be downloaded from the Internet, the registration codes can also be cracked down, therefore, people can use the software as long as they like instead of using the trial version. People ... ...cyberlaw/archives/11_02_decoy.htm>, consulted on November 24, 2003. * The Massachusetts Daily Collegian (2003). â€Å"Today: the solution to music piracy surfaces†. Online at: , consulted on November 24, 2003. * GameSpy Industries (2003). â€Å"Software Piracy Report: Part 1†. Online at: , consulted on November 10, 2003. * CCIPS (2003). â€Å"Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS): Protecting Intellectual Property Rights: Copyrights, Trademarks and Trade Secrets†. Online at: , consulted on November 10, 2003. * CNN.com (2003). â€Å"Napster shutdown seen as potential boon for competitors†. Online at: , consulted on November 20, 2003.