Q: Copyright and patent law have become very relevant legal issues in the past two centuries. What is the halachic approach to copyright?

A: This question has been addressed by contemporary authorities; there are widely divergent opinions. Be"H, we will deal with some of the fundamental questions relating to this issue. Among them:

1. Is there halachic ownership of intangible objects, such as Torah thoughts, professional techniques, a computer program, or music work?
2. Is there a time limit to these rights?
3. Do heirs have rights in their inheritor's works?
4. Is there a difference between Torah seforim/ shiurim and other items?
5. Can a person sell something, yet restrict its use? If yes, what recourse does the seller have?
6. What role, if any, does state law play here?
7. What status do common commercial practice and local customs have?
8. What is the idea behind haskamot (approbations) of seforim?
9. Is there a difference between copying for personal or commercial use?
10. Once something has been made public on the internet, legally or illegally – does that impact the halacha?

Based on our discussion of these issues, IY"H, we will attempt to address practical cases.