[under_siege]

Yes, that's the likely outcome I've been told. What sucks is that you have to wait until the publication period.

I've been wondering if there's a way to appeal to those funding this venture. I don't know much about top-level VC's (which is where their funding comes from) but I would hope ethical business is a part of their code of conduct.

I could see the startup acting without the express knowledge and consent of the VC's backing them. It would be interesting to hear from anyone on HN who has a better understanding of VC's.