diff --git a/lib/ace/keyboard/textinput.js b/lib/ace/keyboard/textinput.js
index dded6dc0..f4ecac17 100644
--- a/lib/ace/keyboard/textinput.js
+++ b/lib/ace/keyboard/textinput.js
@@ -101,18 +101,25 @@ var TextInput = function(parentNode, host) {
         }, 0);
     };
 
-    var onCopy = function() {
+    var onCopy = function(e) {
         copied = true;
-        text.value = host.getCopyText();
+        var copyText = host.getCopyText();
+        if(copyText)
+            text.value = copyText;
+        else
+            e.preventDefault();
         text.select();
-        copied = true;
         setTimeout(sendText, 0);
     };
 
-    var onCut = function() {
+    var onCut = function(e) {
         copied = true;
-        text.value = host.getCopyText();
-        host.onCut();
+        var copyText = host.getCopyText();
+        if(copyText) {
+            text.value = copyText;
+            host.onCut();
+        } else
+            e.preventDefault();
         text.select();
         setTimeout(sendText, 0);
     };