1. Property is that for which access and use can be physically controlled, and that which can be transferred, by transferring physical control.
2. Property typically has an owner – the person or persons currently having physical control.
3. Ownership can be obtained through creation, exchange, or gift.
4. Gift includes abdication where an owner can vacate or discard their property whereafter it may become owned by whoever next takes possession.
5. Access and use may also be obtained by non-owners who contract with the owner, e.g. rent.

Therefore, information can only be property when its access and use can be physically controlled – also known as ‘intellectual property’.

Physical control is not to be confused with the commercial privilege of exclusive manufacture of copies.

Manufacturing a copy or derivative of the property that one owns is a natural property right. This right is suspended in order to create the privileges of copyright and patent.