P2P Program to Match Files to Product Origin

Keiron Waites writes "A program to match p2p downloads with the original products they came from has been released. ShareMonkey is free software for Microsoft Windows, with an additional plugin for the Shareaza p2p application. ShareMonkey lets you right click on a file and choose "Where is this file from?", which will direct you to a listing of products that carry the file. ShareMonkey is a service for those p2p users that download copyrighted files in a "try before you buy" capacity and is an attempt to bridge the gap between copyright infringement and subsequent purchasing of a product."

This 'could' be a good thing...

[mulvane]

I try before I buy on most everything. If this works as described, I could possibly find a cheaper solution than I am usually accustomed to. On the flip side, it could be used as a fingerprint tool to id the content you are trying before you buy and either delete or disable it somehow until you can prove you own a valid license for use. Time will tell.

Wait.....

[LordPhantom]

I'm not a lawyer, but I can't see this being embraced by many copyright holders for the simple reason that accepting this would to some degree weaken a legal defense of their copyright and/or damages in future litigation.