This book describes how corporate powers have erected a rapacious system of intellectual property rights to confiscate the benefits of creativity in science and culture. This legal system threatens to derail both economic and scientific progress, while disrupting society and threatening personal freedom. Perelman argues that the natural outcome of this system is a world of excessive litigation, intrusive violations of privacy, the destruction system of higher education, interference with scientific research, and a lopsided distribution of income.
'The book persuasively argues Perelman's point of view...this timely, thoughtful work is recommended ...' - Library Journal</B>
'Steal This Idea deals with major issues surrounding IP in one neat and accessible work'. - Virginia Brown Keyder, European Intellectual Property Review
'This useful and thought-provoking look at the economic effects of property rights in all their forms is recommended...' - Choice
'Steal This Idea deals with major issues surrounding IP in one neat and accessible work.' - Virginia Brown Keyder, European Intellectual Property Review
'This useful and thought-provoking look at the economic effects of property rights in all their forms is recommended...' - Choice
Introduction
The Ascension of Intellectual Property Rights
The Costs of Intellectual Property
Intellectual Property vs. Science
Corporate Science and Intellectual Property
Economics vs. The New Economy
MICHAEL PERELMAN is the author of Class Warfare in the Information Age and Transcending the Economy. He is Professor of Economics at California State University at Chico.