Copyright and Patent Laws Hurt the Economy

Norsefire writes "Two economists at Washington University in St. Louis are claiming that copyright and patent laws are 'killing innovation' and 'hurting [the] economy.' Michele Boldrin and David K. Levine state they would like to see copyright law abolished completely as there are other protections available to the creators of 'intellectual property' (a term they describe as 'propaganda,' and of recent origin). They are calling on Congress to grant patents only where an invention has social value, where the patent would not stifle innovation, and where the absence of a patent would damage cost-effectiveness."

Absurd!

[fuzzyfuzzyfungus]

This vile proposal threatens to sacrifice shareholder value on the altar of the progress of the useful arts! The founding fathers would never stand for it.

As a Zombie-artist

[Killer Orca]

I oppose this proposed abolishment of all Copyright. Anyone who does should suffer the same fate that I have: die in a drug-induced sex-binge only to come back to life, unable to earn money on songs written 'yesterday' relative to myself.

Furthermore I submit that royalties be amended to include BRAAAAAINS.

-1 Pedantic

[Anonymous Coward]

Where's a good -1 Pedantic mod when you need one?

Re:10 Years, not Infinity+ years

[Tikkun]

Am I the only person laughing at the concept of copyright on jazz music?

Re:Down with GPL - it HURTS THE ECONOMY !!

[A nonymous Coward]

these two people are from Washington state, clear across the country

Nice job of not reading. They are from Washington university in St. Louis, not even halfway across the country from Beantown.

I bet that little truth hurts a bit more, eh?