Comment Re:Note that this is a little different from softw (Score 1) 207
For software, generally speaking the copy is exactly the same as the original. No one collects software (only their medium), and its unlimited.
Even with 3d printers, objects are limited (you can't copy them indefinitely, you'll run out of material), and right now at least, until star trek replicators happen, they're not the same as the original (unless the original was 3d printed too i guess). There can be difference in qualities, and the originals may be collectibles... just like a painting can be replicated, but its the original that's worth something.
So being able to tell the originals from the copies apart kind of matters this time around.
No it's not. If I can copy the thing you're selling with a few clicks of a keyboard, you don't really have a product. I fully support inventors getting rewarded for their work, but that's NOT what the patent system does.