[a9h74j]

> aliens on another planet

Related thought experiment: What if the aliens were 1000 years ahead in patenting everything (in a way which didn't expire), then forced their IP regime on Earth, extracting IP rent for everything, since it would _only_ make sense to trade with them?

[systemvoltage]

You know the answer. Mutual trade makes sense when trade deficit is managed, there is cooperation and symmetry. We don't need to go to aliens for that, right now we have China that's creating asymmetry in the trade and it doesn't play by the fair rules. For example, US allowing TikTok and WeChat but China banning Facebook/IG and Google.

[imtringued]

This is such an amazingly good question because it directly relates to real life. Of course you would trade with them to get 1000 years ahead and then once you are at the same level as them you would betray them and completely ignore their "stupid" IP laws. This is basically what China has been doing for decades now.

[mahkeiro]

It won’t prevent new product to be patented, so innovate...