I'm with you. Granted, my big IP project right now (possible revenues of $100m/yr for a $20m/yr company!) requires a custom coating to work right. It's one micron thick and only available from a company I'm on the board of. The only thing better than a strong patent is a design that can't be ripped off; too bad those are rare.

I graduated in 85, and went into aerospace in 87 because of the downturn in oil.

The IP thing is the way that capitalism works. I don't get these people that think that they can develop and compete if the other guy can just copy and avoid the initial investment.

Thanks. I do aerospace/structural engineering. We also do IT for professional companies. Sort of a strange mix.