Since you're here and on topic, a question that has been at the back of my mind because I feel that soon most software creators will be in this boat, with AI rapidly becoming able to clone software from observing behavior alone:
Are patents the only real IP protection left for software?
And would a patent (assuming this application had something patent-worthy to claim) help at all here? As in, in addition to sending a C&D maybe also including language about patent infringement would be more effective?
I know that patents are unpopular for many here (including you, IIRC!) but I think this question is extremely important, especially to anyone who wants to make a living purely off the software alone.
Remember: if no other moats or business models or funding models lend themselves naturally to the software in question, anything bolted on is pretty much already on the slippery slope to enshittification. A mechanism that encouraged people to compensate fairly for the value provided by software would be better for the Internet than what we've got going on today.
Are patents the only real IP protection left for software?
And would a patent (assuming this application had something patent-worthy to claim) help at all here? As in, in addition to sending a C&D maybe also including language about patent infringement would be more effective?
I know that patents are unpopular for many here (including you, IIRC!) but I think this question is extremely important, especially to anyone who wants to make a living purely off the software alone.
Remember: if no other moats or business models or funding models lend themselves naturally to the software in question, anything bolted on is pretty much already on the slippery slope to enshittification. A mechanism that encouraged people to compensate fairly for the value provided by software would be better for the Internet than what we've got going on today.