Information Literacy #2– Intellectual Property

Write a short essay on the topic of intellectual property, its impact on innovation and economic growth, and how computer technology is making safeguarding it more difficult.

Your essay should also discuss how intellectual property rights can be violated, e.g., plagiarism, copyrights violations, piracy, industrial espionage, hacking, etc.

I'm looking for whether you understand the concepts and have given this issue some real, high-level thought. And, in keeping with the issue itself, you must have valid and appropriate references.

Bear in mind, any web reference must always include both a valid URL (full web address) and a date/time stamp. Web content is so subject to change (unlike printed material) that without the date/time stamp, the reader may not be able to verify your reference.

Write an additional few paragraphs (clearly titled separately) on how the concept and defense of intellectual property has contributed to individual success and prosperity by rewarding individual effort and accomplishment. And as such, is at the core of a free market society, and is inherently inconsistent with other forms of government, e.g., socialism, communism, monarchy, totalitarian, feudalism, theocracy, etc.