Intellectual Property

The definition of "piracy" is interesting. According to the American Heritage Dictionary, "piracy" has several distinct meanings:

pi·ra·cy Audio pronunciation of "piracy" ( P ) Pronunciation Key (pr-s)
n. pl. pi·ra·cies

1. a. Robbery committed at sea.
1. b. A similar act of robbery, as the hijacking of an airplane.
2. The unauthorized use or reproduction of copyrighted or patented material: software piracy.
3. The operation of an unlicensed, illegal radio or television station.

Source: The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company.

Obviously, it is the second definition of piracy that applies to a discussion of information ethics. This definition invites the examination of terms used in the defining statement. For example, "unauthorized" is defined as:
unauthorized

adj 1: not endowed with authority [syn: unauthorised] [ant: authorized] 2: without official authorization; "an unauthorized strike"; "wildcat work stoppage" [syn: unauthorised, wildcat]

Clearly, in order to use information ethically, users need to know and understand the nature of authority, in cluding what constitutes authoritative rights, and who/what is endowed with recognized and appropriate authority to use information. Along with authority, questions of entitlement, rights, responsiblity, and obligation emerge.

The second definition of 'piracy" indicates that "use" and "reproduction" are equally susceptible to acts of piracy. However, the definition clearly states that this susceptibility is for materials that have existing copyrights or patents.

Does the existence of a copyright or patent function as a measure of authority? Without copyright or patent status, is information open to unlimited use or reproduction? If no copyright or patent exists, is the information "up for grabs", with no restraints. What are the potential consequences and results of limitless access to unregulated information products?

Information ethics certainly opens a Pandora's box of questions!!

The resolution of issues involving intellectual property rights vs. free and open access must be based on the ramifications of control vs. deregulation. Questions about individual rights and independence vs. accountability and socially-responsible obligation must be evaluated according to the implications and consequences of either stance. Taken to an extreme, either position can function as a deterrent to creative information production or the availability of accessible avenues for retrieving information.

• Electronic Frontier Foundation: Intellectual Property

• Anti-Piracy

What Is Plagiarism?

Understanding Copyrights