On Thu, Nov 19, 2009 at 3:58 PM, Phares Kariuki <pkariuki@gmail.com> wrote:
It is actually illegal to use public funds/resources to protect private interests.
This is why it would be a mistake to allow public offices, e.g. State Law Office and dedicated police offers, to enforce the day-to-day protection of (mostly wealthy western corporates) private IPs/trademark rights. Yes, the law may exist, but the aggrieved companies should incur the benefits and costs of their registered rights- NOT for them to enjoy the benefits yet additionally charge taxpayers the costs of maintaining the status quo
By this argument a registrar of motor vehicles, state land office or police force is illegal, as they exist to protect private property.
They are not there to incur private property "running costs" then bill the taxpayer ( e.g. you are privately responsible for the costs fixing the number plates, not there to erect scare crows at your shamba or fence it for you, or not police on standby at your home to guard your car or arrest trespassers-otherwise we are all then entitled to a police officer 24/7/365:). When a disputes arise and accusation made, we assume innocence until proven guilty and the people you mention then tell the court the truth of the matter. Use of police, for example, to intimidate and harass "supposed violators" is natural justice short-changed. Public officers should serve public interest not private interest. "Private police officers are different. They don't work for us; they work for corporations. They're focused on the priorities of their employers or the companies that hire them. They're less concerned with due process, public safety and civil rights." http://www.schneier.com/blog/archives/2007/02/private_police.html