I've researched the issue now and have a pretty firm grasp on this.

>>This distinction is very important. It's why noone has
>every
>>been charged with 'theft' or 'robbery' or 'stealing' for
>>downloading/uploading music or any other intellectual
>>property.
>>
>
>I don't know all the facts, but people HAVE been brought up on
>charges related to music/copyright infringement, haven't
>they?

Yes. But you didn't read closely. They've been charged with 'copywrite infringement'....not 'theft' or 'stealing' or 'robbery'. And the charges have only concerned SHARING or UPLOADING files....not downloading them. Put your critical thinking hat on and suss out the difference.

>>More clearly, file-sharing is not stealing because noone is
>>depriving another of their property.
>
>sure you are. A copyright is a person's property. Which is why
>I can't put out my own "Off The Wall" album. I have to pay the
>people who own the copyrights to the lyrics, music, etc.
>Otherwise, bootlegging would be legal.

NO YOU ARE NOT. You still don't get it.

Let's take an extreme example that doesn't even relate to file-sharing.

Suppose I put out an album called 'Upon the Wall' and when you hear it...it consists only of MJ's 'Off The Wall' in it's entirety. I cannot be charged with 'theft' or 'stealing' because MJ and his publishers STILL OWN 'Off the Wall' and can continue to do with it as they please.

'Theft' or 'stealing' or 'robbery' are defined as DEPRIVING the use of property by another. When I put out 'Upon The Wall', I did not DEPRIVE MJ and his publishers from using 'Off the Wall'....so I can only be charged with copywrite infringement.