Again, it's not the data in the table, it's the table itself. Likewise, it's not the info Alpha generates, it's the format it is presented in. The data's sort of collateral damage - once put through Alpha it's copyrighted *in that form* to Alpha. Of course, the data exists in many formats, and can be used without ever placing it through Alpha. So it doesn't make much sense to think that Wolfram owns the data's copyright, which they have themselves apparently negotiated the right to process (for data not in the public domain).

Wolfram does not own the copyright to the information, but that's not what's really important in this case. It's the same as citing Google Calculator if you use it to solve homework problems.

Using a machine to generate and collate information into a useful form factor easily has precedent. Just look at the steam tables. Sure, steam's not something any of us can lay claim to, but generating the pages of numerical solutions for the various physical properties is. The phase diagrams are very easy to defend as creative work, as good graphical communication is something requiring high intellectual effort. And it's valuable. A similar argument can be made for the steam tables themselves. Engineers for many decades relied on these tables, and they are for sale, like sheet music. After all, someone creatively designed the model that generated the data (and if you prefer not to use theirs, the option is always open for you to figure out a way create your own for personal use - or profit if you're innovative enough!)

In this way, it's easy to see how the output of Alpha is copyrightable. One could argue it's a monumental achievement as a creative intellectual work. Basically the whole point of the engine is to make knowledge universally accessible in an easy form factor. The fact that it's free to use doesn't mean the authors don't want credit for it (why this is so rarely understood boggles my mind). If you would prefer not to respect the copyright on the output, the same option is available as the steam tables - generate your own, or find another source that's been released for free and open use, or simply find a way to make do without it.

What would be fascinating is if that is utilized to drive the system getting set up. Really, if the family can sell it for that much, then they make $100 profit and could buy another. This could be encouraged - so long as their child gets to always have a laptop.