[Skywalk]

I don't know. I guess the key is to not keep too many songs in your directory. I think any defendant should also cite relevant Constitutional passages.

I do not consider musical recordings to be "useful arts." It is clear that no one is using these files in business or to perpetrate a fraud that they are the original artists.

The Constitution clearly meant what we would consider to be patents or useful technologies to encourage innovation. It does not mean that an electronic recording is yours in perpetuity.

[Henrietta]

"The Constitution clearly meant what we would consider to be patents or useful technologies to encourage innovation. It does not mean that an electronic recording is yours in perpetuity."

As far as patents are concerned, you are correct. However, patents do not protect music; music is protected by copyrights. And you can protect copyrighted material until 50 years after the death of the author.

[Djarum]

I think any defendant should also cite relevant Constitutional passages.

Citing the Constitution is the surest way to land in jail/defeat. Remember, the courts decide what the text means, not history or the words of the founders themselves.