Dorsey and Musk challenge foundations of intellectual property law

Jack Dorsey and Elon Musk questioned the necessity of intellectual property laws in a recent online exchange, suggesting they may hinder rather than help innovation.

Online debate reignites concerns over patents and copyright

In a brief but powerful message shared on X, Jack Dorsey, co-founder of both Twitter and Block, proposed eliminating intellectual property laws altogether. His post, reading simply “delete all IP law,” sparked a wide range of responses, from enthusiastic support to harsh criticism. Among the first to back the idea was Elon Musk, owner of X, who responded with a succinct “I agree.” While neither provided specific context, the conversation emerged amid growing legal scrutiny toward AI companies, including OpenAI, regarding the unauthorized use of copyrighted material in model training.

Some viewed Dorsey’s stance as a challenge to outdated systems that fail to fairly compensate creators. Tech investor Chris Messina supported the idea, pointing out that automated penalties for IP violations by AI could become a modern equivalent of incarcerating low-income individuals for minor offenses like cannabis possession.

Strong backlash from creators and rights advocates

Not everyone shared this view. Ed Newton-Rex, who leads the nonprofit Fairly Trained, criticized the comments as harmful to creative professionals. He described the exchange as a sign that tech leaders were "declaring all-out war on creators" who aim to protect their work. Writer Lincoln Michel noted that both Dorsey and Musk have built their companies on the very legal frameworks they now oppose. He argued that without IP protection, businesses like Twitter and Tesla might never have succeeded.

Addressing these concerns, Dorsey clarified that he is not against compensating creators, but believes the current system is flawed. He argued that “the current ones take way too much from them and only rent-seek,” while better models for fair payments could exist. When attorney Nicole Shanahan pushed back by saying, “IP law is the only thing separating human creations from AI creations,” Dorsey responded that “creativity is what currently separates us,” emphasizing that existing systems suppress innovation and favor intermediaries who fail to distribute earnings equitably.

Long-standing opposition to patent restrictions

Elon Musk has long voiced skepticism about patent laws. In a past interview with Jay Leno, he remarked that “patents are for the weak.” In 2014, he announced a policy of not enforcing Tesla's patents against companies that used them “in good faith.” However, this stance was later complicated by a patent dispute with Australian firm Cap-XX, which had first filed legal action against a Tesla subsidiary.

Meanwhile, Dorsey has also explored more open approaches to digital platforms. He was instrumental in launching the decentralized social project Bluesky, though he later left its board. Bluesky CEO Jay Graber remarked that Dorsey's departure allowed the platform to move beyond its association with a billionaire founder.

From online posts to real-world influence

What might once have been dismissed as a fleeting social media comment now carries heavier weight. Figures like Musk, with ties to government initiatives and public infrastructure, are increasingly capable of steering policy narratives. The discussion over IP law is just one of many issues where tech leadership crosses into legislative territory, raising broader questions about how creative ownership and innovation should be regulated in a rapidly evolving digital economy.