[lolcat5e]

It helps if you know how to leverage the legal system to get a good deal (and the personality which can negotiate a good deal). If you can exploit something which is scalable using new technology, that helps. And the IP and copyright laws are tilted against their stated aim - to benefit society. They almost always protect the IP owner to the detriment of society.

[simonh]

I would agree that some IP regulations go too far nowadays. Software patents are a mistake and copyright terms too long, but the basic idea of protecting and encouraging creators and innovators is a good one. Society benefits when creation and innovation is protected and supported.

Anyway, beyond software patents and copyright terms do you content that IP protections in general are a mistake? How do you see an alternative system working?