http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=define%3A+theft&btnG=Search
"larceny: the act of taking something from someone unlawfully"

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/theft
"the act of stealing; the wrongful taking and carrying away of the 
personal goods or property of another; larceny."

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/theft
"a: the act of stealing  ; specifically : the felonious taking and 
removing of personal property with intent to deprive the rightful owner 
of it b: an unlawful taking (as by embezzlement or burglary) of property"

It seems to me that theft occurs when you take something from someone 
else; the owner is deprived of their property, which the thief then 
enjoys possession of.

Unlawful copying doesn't seem to be theft by any of the above 
definitions.  The owner retains all rights, privileges and perks of the 
property.

Of course, the legality of it is a completely different matter.  But 
this is just another example of how our legal system concerning 
copyrights needs to be updated to reflect reality, because calling these 
actions theft is just erroneous.

-- 
...Chambers
www.pacificwebguy.com

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