Replies

"What does NYC cab regulations have to do with IP laws?"

Ah, the debate counterpart of the "kick the chessboard over" alternative to "resignation". :)

Hint: there's a reason the word "touche'" has been accepted as a borrowed word into the English lexicon. Seeing as how you seem to be headed in the direction you're headed, I'd suggest learning it, and embracing it, because you'll be needing to apply it quite a bit as you enter (and perhaps even pass through) puberty.

"The fact of the mater is you CAN copy the concept of a cab, you CAN provide your own service, and you CAN improve upon the idea to garner more business."

True, you can.

You can also save a lot of the headache of dealing with venture capitalists, bank loan officers, and mom and dad, by getting your money out of the bank via the "note and pistol" method rather than the "filling out forms and answering questions" technique.

However, you'll go to prison. Just like you will if you violate the Hack laws.

Oh golly, a double entendre. :)

"State laws that, get this, protect consumers from unscrupulous business tactics and protect consumer rights do not equate to IP restrictions."

The laws put people in prison when they violate the laws.

Get that!

And remember, keep your mitts off my bits!

I have argued that it is legal to

Observe in detail the workings of a cab and cab service
To take the ideal of a cab and open up a cab service (similar, not exactly the same)
Discuss observations of a cab and how it can be improved

If the DCMA was applied to cabs, all the above would be illegal. I am talking about IP laws that regulate what one can and cannot do with IP, you are arguing about quality of service enforcements. If you want to argue for arguements sake, go ahead, don't let me stand in the way.

And remember, keep your mitts off my bits!

If I have ever purchased your bits, I will do with them whatever I legally can whether you like it or not