We all interact with intellectual property on a daily basis, and you probably already have some general idea of what intellectual property is and why it might be an important thing to think about. But if you’re anything like us, you’ve never really thought beyond the surface. On this episode, we talk to intellectual property expert and philosopher Adam Moore to learn about some of the most important ethical issues related to intellectual property. Then, independent producer Sandra Bertin brings us the fascinating story of a fight for collective intellectual property rights in Guatemala. And we want to hear from you! Do you think we got intellectual property completely wrong? Do you have something to add to our discussion? Let us know! We’re going to start producing bonus episodes featuring your responses to the show. Just send a voice memo to us at examiningethics@gmail.com. If you’re shy about the sound of your voice, you can just send your thoughts in an old-fashioned email and we’ll read it on-air. However you share your thoughts, don’t forget to include your first name and where you’re from.

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Click here for the episode’s transcript!

Show Notes:

• Adam Moore
  • Adam Moore’s body of work on intellectual property
• Intellectual property
• You only have legal protection over intellectual property that is fixed in physical form
• Justifications for intellectual property:
  • Utilitarianism
  • Deontology
  • Further justifications for intellectual property
• Common objections to intellectual property:
  • Non-rivalrous argument
  • Free speech argument
  • Some more objections to intellectual property
• Copyright Act of 1976 (term of protection)
• Independent producer Sandra Bertin
• More on the National Movement of Mayan Weavers
• More on Angelina Aspuac
• Free Music Archive, a site that provides access to free, Creative Commons-licensed music
• Creative Commons

Thanks to Evelyn Brosius for our logo. Featured image from Library and Archives Canada.

1. 1. “The Zeppelin” by Blue Dot Sessions
      From the Free Music Archive
      CC BY-NC 4.0
   2. Clips from “A Comic’s Life Radio” (originally aired on KCAA in Loma Linda, CA Friday, January 22, 2016.)
   3. “Are We Loose Yet” by Blue Dot Sessions (sections of this song have been looped)
      From the Free Music Archive
      CC BY-NC 4.0
   4. “Lakeside Path” by Blue Dot Sessions
      From the Free Music Archive
      CC BY-NC 4.0
   5. “Great Great Lengths” by Blue Dot Sessions
      From the Free Music Archive
      CC BY-NC 4.0

To contact us, email examiningethics@gmail.com.

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