This paper looks at the property status of digital files, such as electronic documents, under English law. We argue that, while mere information is rightly not considered property, digital files are not mere information. Instead, they are distinct virtual objects that exist at the logical – or software – layer of a computer system. Property law could recognise digital files as a new, third kind of thing, alongside things in possession and in action. Doing so might help resolve disputes over access to digital files, by providing proprietary remedies similar to those available for paper documents.

中文翻译：

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新事物：数字文件中的产权？

本文着眼于英国法律下数字文件（例如电子文件）的财产状况。我们认为，虽然单纯的信息不被视为财产，但数字文件不仅仅是信息。相反，它们是不同的虚拟对象，存在于计算机系统的逻辑层或软件层。物权法可以将数字文件视为一种新的第三类事物，与拥有和行动中的事物并列。这样做可能会通过提供与纸质文件类似的专有补救措施来帮助解决有关访问数字文件的争议。