[OSM-talk] OSM layer into Adobe Illustrator?

[SteveC]

Frederik Ramm wrote:
> Hi,
> 
>  > One thing I've always wondered about Public Domain. If data is Public
>  > Domain, is there a risk that a commercial organisation could "steal"
>  > it, place restrictive licencing on it, claim copyright over it and
>  > thus take it proprietary?
> 
> It depends on how you define "stealing".
> 
> The common definition of "stealing" involves taking away something from 
> the rightful owner and by doing so making it impossible for him to use 
> it. (I steal your bike.)
> 
> In this sense, a malicious organisation (which need not be commercial) 
> or an individual could try to assert rights on something you have 
> produced, claiming that you took it from them and disallowing you any 
> further access. This risk exists, but it does not depend on the license 
> the stuff was under. It can happen with GNU FDL or CC-BY-SA just as it 
> can happen with PD, and it is immoral and most likely illegal.
> 
> Another definition of "stealing" involves someone enjoying digital goods 

No, that's 'infringing'.

Shout loudly whenever you hear someone tries to use 'steal' in this 
context. Theft only occurs when I deprive you of physical things, if I 
copy your CD I havn't stolen, I've infringed copyright.

have fun,

SteveC steve at asklater.com http://www.asklater.com/steve/