How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Copy

James Gannon is a Toronto lawyer with an interest in intellectual property laws. He recently blogged about his thoughts on the issue of copyright:

I was wrong.

After years of reading intellectual property law blogs from some of the greatest legal minds, I’m finally ready to admit that I was wrong. The fight against illegal copying is one that cannot be won. I can no longer deny the simple truth that it is ultimately futile to try to create artificial scarcities in what would otherwise be non-scarce goods. The digital revolution has allowed us to copy and share media for free and we should not let our antiquated laws stop us from enjoying these incredible technologies. It is time to fully embrace the digital revolution.

To be clear, I’m not talking about using P2P programs, cyber-lockers, illegal streaming or any other file-sharing technology.

I’m going to start printing my own money.

Gutenberg did not invent the printing press so that it would be controlled in the hands a few rich and powerful central bankers who desperately cling to outdated business models. With the advent of digital technologies, everyone can and should be free to copy their own money.

Read the full article