It's never been solely about "having original ideas". I would argue that if a startup fails to build up a competitive advantage or a barrier to entry, then they indeed should not bother.
I think the more interesting question is that of software patent discussions: What is sufficiently novel, non-obvious, and useful that we should protect it to promote innovation? Could Snapchat's messages that expire been protected? Should they have been?
Edit: kapnobatairza seems to have shown the answer is "no", in which case hopefully Snapchat has another plan to remain competitive in its crowded market. We shouldn't expect anything else for a business to succeed.
It's never been solely about "having original ideas". I would argue that if a startup fails to build up a competitive advantage or a barrier to entry, then they indeed should not bother.
I think the more interesting question is that of software patent discussions: What is sufficiently novel, non-obvious, and useful that we should protect it to promote innovation? Could Snapchat's messages that expire been protected? Should they have been?
Edit: kapnobatairza seems to have shown the answer is "no", in which case hopefully Snapchat has another plan to remain competitive in its crowded market. We shouldn't expect anything else for a business to succeed.