This makes absolutely no sense. If I implement a machine whose design is someones else's protected IP, the law cares not a bit whether I recorded the design de

This makes absolutely no sense. If I implement a machine whose design is someones else's protected IP, the law cares not a bit whether I recorded the design details or merely memorized them. And no one else will care either. You'll note that this was exactly the case with Samuel Slater; the Brits considered him a thief regardless.