[babygene]

“People who make counterfeit DVDs, CDs and apparel are stealing, plain and simple.”

I don’t agree with this. I don’t believe it even hurts the owner of the intellectual property that much. If somebody buys a knockoff that would never be a customer for a legitimate item anyway, no harm is really done.

It would be different if a jewelry store was selling fake Rolex watches for $10,000. But a customer for a $100 Rolex is NEVER going to buy a real one.

How much has the sale of cubic zirconium “diamonds” effected the sale of the real thing? People who want and can afford the real thing still buy the real thing... It’s that simple.

[Ghost of Philip Marlowe]

Dude, the O-ring of your logic capsule can’t possibly be as blown as indicated by your post, can it? Unbelievable.

[KeepUSfree]

I disagree.

On CD's & DVD's the "pirated" ones are about $5.00 or 30%-40% cheaper. The main thing is that they tend to be out BEFORE the "official release". So, MANY of the folks who buy them would buy the original when it came out if they didn't already have the pirated one.

And, on the watches. Sure, they might not ever buy a "real" rolex. But, they probably WOULD buy another "legitimate" $100 watch - from a legitimate watch vendor - who spent ALOT of money on trademarks and patents....and deserves the fruits of their time and investment.

[Bobalu]

I must disagree with you here.

Selling counterfeit goods for profit is stealing and should always be illegal.

Sharing copyrighted material online for no profit however should never be illegal.

The copyright holder should always be the only one allowed to profit monetarily from his work.

The internet and digital media have created a world where sharing of copyrighted materials will happen...it’s a new world and everyone must adjust to it. Sales of copyrighted goods can still bring large profits because of the convenience of buying packaged movies, music and printed materials that are priced right will always be popular.

[BunnySlippers]

It would be different if a jewelry store was selling fake Rolex watches for $10,000. But a customer for a $100 Rolex is NEVER going to buy a real one.

But someone buying a DVD or CD may buy the real thing. AND they totally ripped of all the costs of making and marketing the movie which are enormous!

Same with watches and handbags. I bought a great rip off Prada handbag from a guy in a van. Yes, I do buy high end handbags. Everyone thinks it's real nd I get compliments all the time. But Prada ... or compsnies like Rolex design the merchandise and build the brand.

Without their buyilding the brand the name Rolex or Prada would mean nothing to the consumer. It's a huge rip off!