On further reflection, I think you're right that I was wrong to use the word "stealing". It does frame and bias the discussion. I don't think I'll be able to shake the habit of using the word "property" to refer to copyrights, patents, trademarks and designs (perhaps as a habit of specialising in IP during university) - I think that the point grellas makes is such to sufficiently argue that all property is essentially a legal construct and we can mould and shape its boundaries as we see fit.

I understand your point about artificial scarcity and appreciate that you find copyrights and patents a net detriment rather than a net benefit. In the current scheme of things, I would have to agree with you on that point in some instances (especially with respect to software patents, many pharmaceutical patents, and the length of copyright). Overall, however, I believe that the idea of intellectual property is a sound one that's been distorted over the course of legal history thanks to the influence of powerful rights holders and a lack of ability to adapt to rapidly changing circumstances.