#39unit 2intellectual property rights
The problem of perfect copies and encryption
Digital copying challenges and encryption responses.
Unit 2Intellectual Property RightsTopic #39Published
The problem of perfect copies and encryption
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Because the cost of distributing digital copies of copyrighted intellectual property is nearly zero on the Internet, e-commerce poses special challenges to traditional IP protection. Digital copies are 'perfect' — identical to the original — making piracy easy. Encryption and digital rights management (DRM) are the technological responses.
- Explain why digital copies are 'perfect' and the piracy challenge.
- Describe how encryption and DRM respond to perfect-copy piracy.
- Identify the limitations of technological protection.
- Recognise the conflict between copyright owners and online distributors.