Mark Zuckerberg of Facebook is being sued by Tyler Winklevoss, and his twin brother, Cameron.

WHO owns a bright idea? If the technology associated with an idea is new and the opportunities it offers are valuable, it will have many authors — most of whom may argue over ownership.

As Lawrence Lessig, a professor at Stanford Law School, said, “The general rule is that ideas are free unless strapped down by contract or patent.” In practice, a great idea is owned by whoever expresses that idea most successfully.

seen on ‘A New Start’ this reprint of NY Times: Who Owns the Concept if No One Signs the Papers?