More on copyright

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1359149.cms

While it is true that the Prof could have given due credit, the circumstances forcing him to do it is necessity to maintain minimum level of published articles, to maintain the position of prof and move ahead in one's career. This is sad. If the intent was wrong and his articles really did not seek the permission and clarification of the original author, well, I guess, he has to resign.

However, this brings a very interesting thought. The point is that the whole academia and technological industry is getting way too paranoid about intellectual property and protection. In this situation, we will have to patent every single algorithm we write for our company. Why, because everybody is doing. Why, because you want to have enough patents in case somebody files a suit. Your company needs those patents/copyrights, because, it is in a world full of such patents and copyrights.

Tansen was a great singer and Raag Mian-ki-malhaar is attributed to him. Some other remote guy in some village in India who doesn't have a clue of who Tansen was, rediscovers it just because of his keen musical sense. So, did he violate copyright??? Should Tansen really claim the right for the Raag?

To a large extent, this is western way of thinking. Oriental cultures, never ever bothered about it. Oriental cultures had, may be, trade secrets which passed down through generations - from grandfathers - fathers - sons. We say Edison invented the light bulb - but remember that he got to patent it first - it was a close contest. To say this doesn't mean that Edison was not a genius. To keep thinking of copyrights & violations will only close our thinking, when as we grow, we need to open out more.

Knowledge is there to be shared - not kept closed. Knowledge is there for everyone to acquire and use - no one can claim it is theirs and theirs alone! Theory of Relativity is not Einsteins'. Einstein is a genius who let his acumen and imagination travel that far! The greatness of the great people lies in their humility.

Imagine what the world would be without any such patents and copyrights
1. Much cheaper and affordable - for there would not be any legal fees
2. Much more open
3. There will be genuine trust
4. Society will strive for knowledge and will not be caught in survival instincts (eat food, make money and reproduce, get a so-called social image!)

So, what do we do now??? Be hypocrites! Agree intellectually that knowledge is meant to be free, but still get our algorithms patented. Yes - because, we need money. We will get money only if our company gets it and company is in an environment of such sick lawyers talking legal gibberish who only aim at extracting more money out of our company. I don't say all lawyers are bad, but, it is fundamentally money that is driving everybody into this.

If all that we seek is fleeting, that is what it will be - momentary! There is a saying in Tamil - Man aasai, pon aasai, pen aasai - desire for land, gold and woman - these are sure shot ways of destruction! It is upto us to be moderate with our desires and eliminate those that are hurdles to peace of mind! It is upto us to draw the line between inaction and non-action! It is upto us to seek peace of mind!