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Comment by esseph | Hacker News Reader

> IP laws are there to elevate the arts and sciences, not stifle them in the name of profit.

Hmmmmmmmmm

I mean, that's what the US constitution says very plainly. It does seem to be a pretty unpopular take these days though.

"To promote the Progress of Science and useful Arts, by securing for limited Times to Authors and Inventors the exclusive Right to their respective Writings and Discoveries."

"To protect the children, ...."

The government invented intellectual property for a reason, and in this context it isn't serving it's puprose. It's not some natural law or inalienable right, it's a government monopoly that trades public rights for scientific progress.

The reason of copyright has always been to protect the current powers. To promote usefull arts has always been a whitewash. Here's e.g. wikipedia on that topic:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_copyright

  ... works of dissent and criticism could also circulate rapidly. As a consequence, governments established controls over printers ...

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