alt Hacker NewsThe context of "ownership" is more nuanced when it comes to hardware devices - and even software.
What do you think when you say ownership?
I think - "this is totally mine. Nobody else's. I can do with this what I want. It is entirely up to me."
Do you own your passport? In fact, you probably do not. Most passports have a page stating to the effect that "this passport remains the property of <relevant authority>".
DO you own your device? I feel like I own my devices. I will defend them from theft, or loss. Because they are "mine". But ownership in a broader or legal context implies more rights that I don't think I have. I don't own the IP to the hardware and software on the device. These components have licenses to which I agree and am bound simply because I possess and use the device. These contracts restrict the things I am allowed to do. So my "ownership" also comes with certain "responsibilities" - which I personally don't believe I ever think about. But they exist.
For instance, probably somewhere in these contracts something is said to the effect that I cannot reverse engineer, reproduce and resell components or plans for these components. And myriad other things. Designed to protect the business and investment and people who invented and built them.
"Ownership" in the age of complex "finished products" that result from trillions dollar global supply changes of incomprehensible complexity is more nuanced than the idea that I found a log in the forest, and now the log is mine.
You try to make an analogy with the passport, but you achieve exactly the opposite: you make it obvious that they are not the same.
I don't "own" my passport. I'm not allowed to alter it in any way. I have to report it to the authorities if it gets lost or stolen. I'm not allowed to sell it or give it away. It's an official government document.
I do own my smartphone. I can put stickers on it. I can open it and modify the hardware (if I can work around the various roadblocks by the manufacturer). I don't have to tell anybody if I lose it. I can destroy it on purpose if I like. I can sell it, give it away, share it etc.
You mention IP. That has nothing to do with my use of the device. That concerns (as you mention) reverse engineering with the purpose to make money from it.