An amusing consequence - Aliens on earth (Score 2, Interesting)

I always had problems this the term "intellectual property". How can you own ideas? That's as if one could own the air.

Imagine what could happen if aliens contacted the earth and these aliens were so advanced and old, that they had invented everything we could dream of, and more. Would these "prior art" invalidate every patent on earth? Perhaps this would not happen, but what about the new technology? What if this aliens would share their knowledge with us. Would this knowledge be patented? By whom? By the aliens? What would happen if they demanded ridiculous fees for their patents? Remember, they have invented everything! And if this aliens were not allowed to patent their technology, who would do this for them? Their (human) lawyers? A straw firm? The aliens could wreak havoc on human development just by using their patent rights.

I must admit, I find this thoughts quite funny.