Leet and copyright (1337)

£337 4nÐ (0p¥r19h7 (1337)

[Jesse_Smith]

Is it legal to take content, turn it in to leet, and then post it on another site? The text is extremely different after it's changed. For example, changing

In the last 2 weeks not one day has gone by where we have not had to call Google reps re a new technical problem on either a new or existing client account. I understand some changes have been made recently by the technical team but seriously, could they actually think through the implications of what they're doing first and maybe post "updated news or system improvements" somewhere so as their clients actually know what's going on?

to

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(Disclaimer: I'm using a WebmasterWorld post example just in case it is infringment.)

[jatar_k]

leet just changes the letters, it doesn't change the content itself, so I would have to say no.

[rogerd]

It would appear to be an unauthorized derivative work, not allowed under US copyright law. But, check with a real IP attorney before making any decisions on this.

[Beagle]

Considering that translating a written work into a different language and publishing it without permission would be an unauthorized derivative work, I wouldn't think using what's basically a different font would be any better. (But that's JMHO, as a non-attorney.)