Indeed, I do wonder if Hollywood had focused more on filing IP patents instead of complaining about protecting there margins then they would of been better of.
Now if somebody could only patent taking an idea from a movie or TV series and applying in real life. Then put that in the public domain, well, it would be interesting for the public at least with regards to being able to apply common sence with a hint of health and safty. Not like we have square eye's and retro displays were rectangular with rounded corners.
I wouldn't be surprised if Apple goes after Microsoft about the Surface design if the new tablets take off in the market, because Apple and Microsoft's patent cross-licensing agreement explicitly prohibit "cloning."
http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1292505/584.pdf
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I understand that you may not agree with me as these are just things to think about, but I would really love an actual response rather than a down vote.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LCARS#PADD