John Deere and other manufacturers are now claiming that consumers can no longer buy their products to use as they want. The companies claim intellectual property protections mean the purchasers aren’t allowed to change anything, even to troubleshoot, fix, or modify the devices whether they are cell phones or farm tractors. Protection for corporate innovation is challenging personal innovation, and personal freedom. Tinkering and even home repairs can become criminal offenses. As the Internet of Things becomes a thing, the definition of ownership may change.
“We Can’t Let John Deere Destroy The Very Idea Of Ownership” – Wired
Pretending Not To Panic 