[Johnny Cusp] Last week I posted about generating all the images that could ever exist. While I admit and did mention during my post that the quantity of data is greater than what could possibly be stored in a single universe the theoretical concept is one I find very interesting.

Following on from last week let’s say that we did generate every single 32×32 image in existence. Would that mean that I own the copyright to every single icon in existence outside of the ones already created?

A verbatim look at copyright law would say so. Most countries are aparty to the Berne Convention which states that the copyrights of creative work are enforced automatically at the time of creation. A computer file is sufficient for this. If I do this I could potentially stop every garish emoticon being used. I would be a hero.

[Barny Cusp] I would argue the spirit of the law would overrule here. The laws are designed to stop people stealing other people’s original work. If this was enforced it would essentially ruin artwork for everyone. Everywhere.

[Johnny Cusp] True but at dawn as the verbatim of the law turns back into the spirit of the law I would cut off its head and put it in a box. If I could then avoid touching its body before sun had filled the sky I would be immortal.

[Barny Cusp] Sure, but soon adventurers would turn up to fight you to get your loot. Doesn’t seem like the best long-term strategy.

[Johnny Cusp] That’s because you’re not looking at the big picture. Here I’ve generated it for you.

[Barny Cusp] Cheers.

Archive, Latest, dialogue | RSS 2.0 | Closed.