Creative vigilantes

Magicians, chefs, and stand-up comics protect their creations without the law. What they can teach lawyers - and Congress - about the future of intellectual property.

(Istockphoto; Globe Staff Photo Illustration)
Without copyrights, magicians enforce their own professional codes.

By Daniel B. Smith

December 23, 2007

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LAST FEBRUARY, JOE ROGAN, the beefy host of the gross-out extravaganza "Fear Factor," got on the stage at the Los Angeles club The Comedy Store and unleashed a tirade against the comedian Carlos Mencia, who sat beside him on a stool, angrily protesting. According to Rogan, Mencia had been stealing other comedians' material for years, and the only way to ... (Full article: 2099 words)