Ars Technica has two fantastic articles covering the relationship between intellectual property laws and innovation. Their model? Models.

The first article, which appeared last fall, covers a paper (originally published in the Virginia Law Review) that discusses why the fashion industry thrives despite widespread piracy. The paper holds that copying, rather than dragging down the industry, actually helps to fuel it. Liberal, open IP standards encourage innovation and drive the vicious fashion cycle - last year’s colors, yesterday’s hem lines - which, from time to time, makes victims of us all. I highly, highly recommend this article.

The second article covers recent developments in both the United States House and Senate that would authorize stronger, stiffer IP regulations in the fashion world. Because, apparently, a group of men who rotate only two colors of neckties would know exactly what is best for the fashion industry. Go figure.