[AnimalMuppet]

Eureka! We make a class-action lawsuit, charging the government $X billion for violating our copyrights because of NSA surveillance!

[pyre]

The government can exempt themselves from IP laws. For example, the government has exempted itself and defence contractors for violating patents (to build top secret devices) in the past.

[rietta]

Yeah, not going to happen because of "the national security interest of the United States". A related concept is a contract contrary to public policy.

[rhizome]

Alas! Sovereign immunity means you can't sue the government without their permission.

[xmj]

Where are you going to sue the government... in a government court?

[rhizome]

...yes? Couldn't there be valid causes of action for government acts? Are we simply assuming bad faith on the part of the government for any possible scenarios?

[DoofusOfDeath]

Only in a revolution, I suspect. And revolutions are not to be undertaken lightly.