By Rabbi Meir Orlian | |||
#247 |
Trumah |
19.02.2015 |
N/A |
Among the issues that have been addressed are:
One may not ask a tradesman for a sample design and bring it to a competitor to make.
The accepted practices of each profession are valid based on minhag hamedinah. IP (intellectual property) rights can be sold based on minhag hamedinah; they generally pass to the owner’s heirs.
Copying a few pages is generally permitted, even for class use, unless they are of significant inherent value, such as a summary chart.
It is generally permissible to tape a public shiur for personal listening.
Computer programs come with clearly defined licenses; one who is scrupulous should check the details of his license. Purchase of an older version does not grant rights to a new version. It is permitted to make a backup copy.
Some suggest that it is permissible (although improper) to copy IP already posted on the internet, based on zuto shel yam, but many disagree.
One may not infringe on a company’s trademark or reputation (monitin).