header-logo header-logo

e-stuff: why knowledge is all

nlj_7790_ramage

There are more ways of considering digital property than there are commentators, as Roderick Ramage explains

When you put a coin in a newsvendor’s hand and take the proffered paper, you create a contract, the subject matter of which is a tangible object, a newspaper. The newspaper itself contains intangible property in the form of reports, articles, pictures, cartoons etc, the copyright in which belongs to the newspaper publisher or its contributors, which you may read but which you are not entitled to copy except for fair use or dealing. Similarly, if you buy a ticket to enter a concert hall or a motor car, you acquire a tangible object and with it some benefits in respect of intangible property. Broadly speaking, all that has changed over the millennia is the medium through which intangible property is delivered.

Knowing what you have

Tangible property consists mainly of computers (including desk- and laptops, tablets and smartphones) mobiles, 3D printers, memory devices, modems, power sources (transformers), cabling etc.

Intangible property includes almost

If you are not a subscriber, subscribe now to read this content
If you are already a subscriber sign in
...or Register for two weeks' free access to subscriber content

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Quinn Emanuel—James McSweeney

Quinn Emanuel—James McSweeney

London promotion underscores firm’s investment in white collar and investigations

Ward Hadaway—Louise Miller

Ward Hadaway—Louise Miller

Private client team strengthened by partner appointment

NLJ Career Profile: Kate Gaskell, Flex Legal

NLJ Career Profile: Kate Gaskell, Flex Legal

Kate Gaskell, CEO of Flex Legal, reflects on chasing her childhood dreams underscores the importance of welcoming those from all backgrounds into the profession

NEWS
Overcrowded prisons, mental health hospitals and immigration centres are failing to meet international and domestic human rights standards, the National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) has warned
Two speedier and more streamlined qualification routes have been launched for probate and conveyancing professionals
Workplace stress was a contributing factor in almost one in eight cases before the employment tribunal last year, indicating its endemic grip on the UK workplace
Professor Dominic Regan of City Law School highlights a turbulent end to 2025 in the civil courts, from the looming appeal in Mazur to judicial frustration with ever-expanding bundles, in his final NLJ 'The insider' column of the year
Antonia Glover of Quinn Emanuel outlines sweeping transparency reforms following the work of the Transparency and Open Justice Board in this week's NLJ
back-to-top-scroll