With magic, there is really no protection that can be had with any amount of money, unless you patent your method. I have been involved in magic for over 20 years. I was always taught to carry on the tradition of respecting others as I would in everyday life. That respect implies something above the laws. Even though it's legal to rip off a magic effect, that doesn't mean it's "okay". When I got involved with magic, it was at the tail end of a golden age. The younger generation may never understand magic as it once was. I find it disturbing, but times change and there isn't much we can do about it unless people turn to their morals when making a decision on what to buy.