Intellectual property is a funny thing. The way I interpret it, it is there as a mechanism to protect profits from its rightful owners. I see corporations as using it to protect their revenue stream/interests. Therefore, I was somewhat surprised when I got wind that Linen ‘n Things had sent a “cease and desist” letter to Black Friday Ads. Under what pretext? For hosting copies of Linen’s flyer on its website.
Naturally, Linen ‘n Things are fully entitled to such actions. But the way I see it: FREE ADVERTISING! I mean, it’s not like actual content was hosted, but advertisements for content. Though they were in the right to have sent that desist letter, I just consider it stupid business conduct. Sort of like the lawyers that sue for reasons no other than to simply justify their existence.
Why turn down free advertising? Let’s think of all the pros of letting this go unfettered: more advertising. Now let’s think of all the cons: …. can’t think of anything huh? Thought so.