Reply To: Roger Linn’s Take on Companies Stealing His Intellectual Property

[Brian]

Very provocative question Peter.  After some reflection I have to confess that I am willing to “look away” when making a purchase.  Regarding Behringer specifically- I can say that since I have learned about their behavior in recent years, I would not buy anything else from them. I still have and use a mixer I bought maybe 20+ years ago, and I would look elsewhere if I had to replace it.  That is really based on the CEO being a jerk, not that I think they are stealing IP.  I know it is very possible to “emulate” hardware and software function without violating copyright or patents, so I am not considering that angle.  I also happen to think software patents should not be a thing, though.

I just exercised my ability to turn a blind eye, however, when I bought myself a Meta Quest 3 VR set for Christmas.  I think Meta has no ethics when it comes to customer privacy, but I shelled out anyway.  SO there you go. I can be bought (sold).