End User License Agreements? So 90s.
DMCA restrictions on breaking into your digital stuff to back it up or modify it? So 00s.
The big money now is in establishing patents that restrict how you can use the stuff you buy. "That printer? You can only use original, non-refilled cartridges in it." "Sorry, that car can only be filled up at a Shell station." "Too bad, that waffle maker only takes Bisquik waffle mix." "You can only download the following sponsoring publishers to your e-reader; anything else, and we'll sue you."
And of course, "It's for your own protection."
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