Originally, piracy was a form of theft, when it referred to the practice of robbing on the high seas, and arguably even when it referred to the harmful practice of copying copyrighted products and selling them, ripping off the developers of the products.
Nowadays, it's a synonym for 'copyright infringement', which is not the same thing as theft. Copying in moderation may well benefit the industries in many circumstances as it increases public awareness of the industries and individual products; it's the mass copying initiatives, and the counterfeit sales, that are most likely eroding sales.
In cracking down on 'piracy' the copyright police are using a sledgehammer to crack a nut, and in pissing off loyal customers with intrusive 'copy protection systems', the concept of copyright law and the relevant industries are giving themselves a bad name.
Nowadays, it's a synonym for 'copyright infringement', which is not the same thing as theft. Copying in moderation may well benefit the industries in many circumstances as it increases public awareness of the industries and individual products; it's the mass copying initiatives, and the counterfeit sales, that are most likely eroding sales.
In cracking down on 'piracy' the copyright police are using a sledgehammer to crack a nut, and in pissing off loyal customers with intrusive 'copy protection systems', the concept of copyright law and the relevant industries are giving themselves a bad name.
"All forms of piracy should be lumped together, because they are all illegal, therefore they are all bad, and that is why they are all illegal"
Okay, so piracy is wrong because it's against the law, and it's against the law because it's wrong. That argument doesn't work.
Okay, so piracy is wrong because it's against the law, and it's against the law because it's wrong. That argument doesn't work.
by fwe22 March 15, 2007
to prevent 'intellectual and cultural expressions' from ever reaching the shores of the public domain by continually extending copyright legislation be means of lies, false statistics, propaganda and celebrity-driven campaigning, the duping of gullible or complicit politicians and bribery.
Thanks to continual piracy from various parliaments and lobbying organisations, songs like 'Happy Birthday' and films like Mickey Mouse still have not passed into the public domain.
by mikes_pseudonym November 19, 2009
by The Whole Entire World March 12, 2005
by Meat Slapper April 27, 2005
Too much desire to get involved in lucrative piracy in Somali seas. A strong feeling of love and admiration for piracy on the high seas.
Some background information
Pirate attacks in the Gulf of Aden, the Red Sea, and the waters far off Somalia’s eastern coast continue to increase not only the geographic range of their attacks, but the way they attack vessels. Somali pirates have adopted tactics that now allow them to attack more than 1,000 nautical miles off the Somali coast, with hefty ransom payments over $5 million per ship. Many pirates were lured to start such that new business by tales of easy cash.
Some background information
Pirate attacks in the Gulf of Aden, the Red Sea, and the waters far off Somalia’s eastern coast continue to increase not only the geographic range of their attacks, but the way they attack vessels. Somali pirates have adopted tactics that now allow them to attack more than 1,000 nautical miles off the Somali coast, with hefty ransom payments over $5 million per ship. Many pirates were lured to start such that new business by tales of easy cash.
by Abdi Mahad August 29, 2012
Action. To engage in the act of stealing a man's anal virginity without his prior consent. A good old fashioned ass-raping.
Ever since George woke up with a tube sock hanging out of his ass, he has suspected his roomate of rectal piracy.
by Dj Galley October 21, 2004
Stealing household items (food, toiletries, silverware, etc.) when visiting your parents' house, to avoid shopping for them yourself.
Roommate 1: Where did all this food come from? I thought you didn't have a car.
Roommate 2: Yeah, I committed some domestic piracy when I went home for my brother's birthday last weekend.
Roommate 2: Yeah, I committed some domestic piracy when I went home for my brother's birthday last weekend.
by Angly May 11, 2011