[pjmlp]

While it might be true in modern times regarding copying, Europe and US also did take a lot from them in past centuries and looking at historical documents, we didn't always pay for it.

[seanmcdirmid]

Industrial revolution started in the US by stealing IP from the UK. Heck, even writing were stolen by much of the world from its (few) inventors.

[TeMPOraL]

All of which seems to point out that the very concept of "stealing IP" (and IP in general) is ridiculous.

[seanmcdirmid]

It is definitely controversial. We need some protection, limited time ostentatious seem reasonable, or there might not be an incentive to invent.