That is actually exactly what's at stake. Imagine a future where replicator technology [slashdot.org] is commonplace. We'll be freed from the shackles of cost being linked to the amount of labor and expertise needed to manufacture a physical object. The only limit is going to be materials cost and our imaginations.
So we could have a world where anyone can own a car for the just cost of the metal and plastic needed to construct it. But it won't happen if it's illegal to download the design of said car without paying a $20,000 license fee to Ford, who still holds its 150 year copyright and whose patent portfolio prevents anyone who is not also a big auto company from legally selling you a design.
To paraphrase the ST:TNG episode [youtube.com], the decision we come to in the coming decade or two regarding software patents, copyright extensions and enforcement will extend far beyond music, movies, and software. It will redefine to what degree access to cheap manufactured products can improve the standard of living of the human race. Expanding them for some (IP creators), savagely curtailing them for others (consumers). Are we prepared to condemn the billions who come after us to servitude and slavery by making sure no idea with contemporary value ever makes it into the public domain?
This is our chance to make law. Let's make it a good one.
It's already kind of here with 3D printers, you could already distribute a printable 3D model of some component or tool and presumably face a lawsuit over it, it's just not quite commonplace enough technology yet to have reached that point.
Wait until in a few years time when there's a trend in producing custom mobile phone cases or something and Apple or whoever file a lawsuit because they don't want to lose the lucrative accessories market profits to hobbyists creating their own designs.
So we could have a world where anyone can own a car for the just cost of the metal and plastic needed to construct it. But it won't happen if it's illegal to download the design of said car without paying a $20,000 license fee to Ford, who still holds its 150 year copyright and whose patent portfolio prevents anyone who is not also a big auto company from legally selling you a design.
But we could solve this problem by abolishing patents, or at least revising the patent system, and nothing whatsoever need be done to copyright. I'm not saying nothing should be done to copyright, but I only want to see term limits come back, I don't want to see it abolished. It powers the GPL, which I like.
"The only limit is going to be materials cost and our imaginations. "
No. The ultimate limit will be on just how much carbon dioxide these or any other form of vehicular manufacturing pumps into the atmosphere. At current rates, all signs point to that limit being reached before the end of the century, when air conditioning will simply not be powerful enough to keep occupants of any vehicles from being roasted alive once, whether or not the doors and windows are open or closed.
What is algebra, exactly? Is it one of those three-cornered things?
-- J.M. Barrie
28th Ammendment.. (Score:5, Funny)
Re:28th Ammendment.. (Score:5, Informative)
That is actually exactly what's at stake. Imagine a future where replicator technology [slashdot.org] is commonplace. We'll be freed from the shackles of cost being linked to the amount of labor and expertise needed to manufacture a physical object. The only limit is going to be materials cost and our imaginations.
So we could have a world where anyone can own a car for the just cost of the metal and plastic needed to construct it. But it won't happen if it's illegal to download the design of said car without paying a $20,000 license fee to Ford, who still holds its 150 year copyright and whose patent portfolio prevents anyone who is not also a big auto company from legally selling you a design.
To paraphrase the ST:TNG episode [youtube.com], the decision we come to in the coming decade or two regarding software patents, copyright extensions and enforcement will extend far beyond music, movies, and software. It will redefine to what degree access to cheap manufactured products can improve the standard of living of the human race. Expanding them for some (IP creators), savagely curtailing them for others (consumers). Are we prepared to condemn the billions who come after us to servitude and slavery by making sure no idea with contemporary value ever makes it into the public domain?
This is our chance to make law. Let's make it a good one.
Re: (Score:2)
It's already kind of here with 3D printers, you could already distribute a printable 3D model of some component or tool and presumably face a lawsuit over it, it's just not quite commonplace enough technology yet to have reached that point.
Wait until in a few years time when there's a trend in producing custom mobile phone cases or something and Apple or whoever file a lawsuit because they don't want to lose the lucrative accessories market profits to hobbyists creating their own designs.
The ashtray in my c
Re: (Score:2)
So we could have a world where anyone can own a car for the just cost of the metal and plastic needed to construct it. But it won't happen if it's illegal to download the design of said car without paying a $20,000 license fee to Ford, who still holds its 150 year copyright and whose patent portfolio prevents anyone who is not also a big auto company from legally selling you a design.
But we could solve this problem by abolishing patents, or at least revising the patent system, and nothing whatsoever need be done to copyright. I'm not saying nothing should be done to copyright, but I only want to see term limits come back, I don't want to see it abolished. It powers the GPL, which I like.
Re: (Score:2)
"The only limit is going to be materials cost and our imaginations. "
No. The ultimate limit will be on just how much carbon dioxide these or any other form of vehicular manufacturing pumps into the atmosphere. At current rates, all signs point to that limit being reached before the end of the century, when air conditioning will simply not be powerful enough to keep occupants of any vehicles from being roasted alive once, whether or not the doors and windows are open or closed.