I know, I know, I was being a little tongue in cheek and perhaps it didn't come off too well, but in all seriousness it obviously is just a lack of self control

I know, I know, I was being a little tongue in cheek and perhaps it didn't come off too well, but in all seriousness it obviously is just a lack of self control on my part. It isn't easy for me. But this story isn't about the fact they copied the idea at all. It's about the fact that they done it as a petulant response to a business deal that fell through. As for "just because you're the first person to think of a popular idea doesn't mean you own it forever" I see where you're coming from ethically but I don't agree. Love them or loathe them, patents are here to stay and although the rules do need cleaned up, they're not fundamentally wrong. You do deserve -some- protection.