[author: Jared Brenner]

Some interesting links we found across the web this week:

In Copyright Law, Computers and Robots Don’t Count
We mentioned last week the changing landscape of software patents, but don’t lose sight of developments in copyright law as well. Until Congress acts on it, federal courts are responsible for adapting copyright to fit a constantly evolving internet. Slate takes a look at the thought process behind recent decisions in this area, which could affect just about any software company.

Startups Venturing Into Highly Regulated Industries Can Learn From Fintech's Playbook
With every new startup sub-market comes a new set of regulatory hurdles, and a few recent lessons from the fintech crowd could make all the difference for yours. (And if you’re actually in fintech, we found some more great links for you this week!  Singapore wants in. Blockchain professionals are leaving banks for startups. And a nice primer on blockchain startup fundraising tactics.)

How the biggest bot platforms, startups, and investors are working on common tech standards
And with new sub-markets and new regulatory hurdles come new associations between startups with a common mission. That seems to be taking place in the world of chat platforms and automated chat bots, as this piece suggests. If you’re in that market or getting on board, be sure to click through to the Botness survey linked in the article.

5 top blunders life science startups make on the road to clinical trials
Life science startups are in a league of their own in terms of compliance questions—the Food and Drug Administration and other bureaucracies are practically a second set of customers! Check out a few quick tips and click through to the “data” link in the article for fundraising advice in a post-Theranos world.

Understanding VCs
Veteran VC Fred Wilson has a great piece out this week (endorsed by Brad Feld) on the right and wrong attitude to have about your beloved investors. Spoiler alert: they’re humans, not heroes!