they are not
they are about a proxy to authenticity of the source of a product
intellectual property is just a right to claim rent, really big big difference
they are not
they are about a proxy to authenticity of the source of a product
intellectual property is just a right to claim rent, really big big difference
do you buy a coca cola logo, or a fucking drink full of caffeine and caramel and phosphoric acid? with added coca extract... not to forget, that is key
if you want to fall down a rabbithole go research how coca cola monopolised coca extract supply (and how the actual cocaine is key to pharma industry production of anaesthetics)
let the buyer beware
also
they can be a legal fiction
AND
a proxy for authenticity
those statements are not mutually exclusive.
I'm just suggesting state violence isn't a preferable solution to the problem of ensuring authenticity.
Certification will exist in the absence of a state. Impersonation is a contract law breach, and contract disputes always need adjudicators. The state weakens impartiality but does not change the material facts of a case.