Re: [Patents] patented hacking

["Nick Fleming" <Nick@bigfatpanda.fsnet.co.uk>]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "PILCH Hartmut" <phm@a2e.de>
To: <patents@aful.org>
Sent: Wednesday, July 10, 2002 5:15 PM
Subject: [Patents] patented hacking


> Under
> 
> http://www.sk.com/news/newsletter/current/essay_b.asp
> 
> a company that is infiltrating and damaging peer-to-peer methods at
> the service of large record industry companies touts its
> patent-pending "technology" by which it is carrying out the attacks.
> 
> Maybe the patents can make sure that nobody except OverPeer is allowed
> to break into people's computers.
> 
> According to other press reports, the methods used by OverPeer and its
> customers include spreading viruses and destroying harddisks.  One
> record industry spokesman was quoted as saying "Those who don't mind
> stealing people's music and destroying people's legitimate businesses
> shouldn't mind when we destroy their harddisks."  Seems to make some
> sense. 

Hmmm, their perfect software would NEVER destroy
the wrong hard disk right ? 

Theres also the usual FUD in there that assumes that people who
copy music represent lost sales. I think most people copying would
not have bought the music in the first place, so all preventing p2p
file sharing would do is destroy what amounts to a huge amount
of free advertising (in much the same way as traditional radio).

.. Finally.. I can't agree with any software/organisation that 
elects itself judge jury and executioner. We've already got
a justice system thanks.

Regards,

Nick.