Lehr points out that technology may enhance users' opportunities. If an Acrobat file is tied to a particular Zip disk, then that disk can be shared just like a book. The publisher doesn't need to worry about proliferating copies. A record company wants to reissue an album but has lost the unprotected master. An artist creating a movie poster needs images from the protected MPEG version.
Legitimate tools can quickly spread into the black marketplace.
Another dispute involves users of open-source operating systems like Linux or FreeBSD, who want to hook up new devices to their machines. But manufacturers trying to control their rights worry that open source code will make it easy to circumvent protection mechanisms. All of these issues are being addressed by a new, fast-growing industry. Many different approaches are being tried, and the marketplace will sort out which solutions are useful and which fail. Osder says her clients are taking a cautious approach.