Posted 9/24/2004 05:42:00 PM by Douglas

Interesting article on intellectual property, and countries that ignore patents. Like Russia and the United States. But who is the bigger pirate, Arrrr?

Markets like this, found throughout Russia, have been a longstanding subject of diplomatic complaint. Washington contends Russian intellectual-property pirates cost the United States more than $1 billion a year.

Now Russia is striking back. A Russian industry and product designer are asserting that the United States has been abetting intellectual-property pirates to suit its own needs, by directing copies of Russian merchandise around the world.

The complaint is not about software or music. It makes no mention of movies or video games. It is about the Kalashnikov assault rifle, the most prolific firearm ever made.

That's right. Russia thinks that the United States is stealing their sainted rifle and giving it to the third world. China, call your office.

Let's forget for a second that the AK-47 was developed over 50 years ago, and any patent on its original design has long since expired. Let's even forget that the rifle is so simple that any village in the world that has a drill press, a lathe, and a thumbless, one armed man to operate them can throw together a Kalashnikov. Why would we make counterfeit AKs? The D.O.D. has lots of small arms contractors on the payroll that would love to make rifles for export. That's why Israel has more M-16s than they know what to do with (we give 'em to them).

So look out, Mozambique! You should have done a Russian patent search before you put the image of the Kalashnikov on your flag.

Just don't mess with this man's vodka.