BW )(: Can a number be subject to copyright?

[Alex Butcher]

On Tue, 1 May 2007, Peter Ferne wrote:

> Specifically, this number:
>
> 09 F9 11 02 9D 74 E3 5B D8 41 56 C5 63 56 88 C0.

An interesting philosophical question, since all digital media (i.e.
samples, MP3s, CDs, DVDs) could be regarded as single numbers (albeit VERY
large!) that just happen, when processed through certain algorithms, to
generate vaguely-pleasing sounds and pictures.

The existence of successfully-prosecuted cases seems to indicate that
certain numbers can indeed be copyrighted, but what's the minimum size?
5*60*1024*1024*8=2.5Gbits? (a single MP3 song at a reasonable bit rate)
3*(120/60)*0.25*44100*16=1Mbit? (three quarter-beat notes at 120bpm -
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sampling_(music)#Legal_issues_in_practice>)
less?

Best Regards,
Alex.
-- 
Alex Butcher, Bristol UK.                           PGP/GnuPG ID:0x5010dbff

"[T]he whole point about the reason why I think it is important we go for
identity cards and an identity database today is that identity fraud and
abuse is a major, major problem. Now the civil liberties aspect of it, look
it is a view, I don't personally think it matters very much."
  - Tony Blair, 6 June 2006 <http://www.number-10.gov.uk/output/Page9566.asp>

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