In an earlier entry (Science Assemblies - It's Been a Long Road) we discussed the rise of science school assemblies in Michigan and the Midwest through the actions and creativity of two competing companies, Mr. Wizard and Mobile Ed Productions. We also discussed how many employees have filtered through both companies over the years, and set out to start solo careers following a stint with one or the other of these two founding companies.

While we wish the majority of these individuals well, feeling that there is plenty of room for everyone, and that competition only improves everyone, we do wish to point out that there are some less than scrupulous types with whom anyone scheduling assemblies should be aware.

It is a given in our society that intellectual property exists, and may be covered by copyright and patent. We hold in disdain other countries where piracy of intellectual property goes unchecked. We attempt to teach rigorous ethical codes to our children in order that they may grow as upstanding and honest citizens. But there are areas in the business of school assemblies where creativity is difficult and sometimes impossible to copyright and control. Even when blatant, the damages that may be sought following theft and piracy of ideas are often not worth the legal fees involved.

Over the years Mobile Ed has used many performers in our programs. Some were performers before joining us, and some were not. Some proved very good, while others did not. Those who failed to meet our high standards were quickly dismissed. Others left on their own feeling they could fare better in solo careers. We wished them all well. However, over the years we have also witnessed many of these same performers continue to use our programs, our props and our ideas! In some cases the exact same program is offered under the exact same name. One midwest school assembly performer worked for us as a science performer and then set out on his own offering our chemistry science assembly along with our science school show The Magic of Science, claiming the latter was his own program! In another case, a performer had toured with our Physics science assembly and continued performing it on his own using our props and our signs and our graphics. Others have founded companies with names similar to ours to trade on the name brand confusion. Is all of this legal? It's a gray area. Is it right? Well, we feel intellectual property is still property, and that theft is theft. You be the judge.

The purpose of todays entry is not to whine about all of this. Far from it. The actions of these individuals have not hurt Mobile Ed. However, we feel if you are spending the money to purchase a Rolex you should be certain that you getting a Rolex, and not a knock off made in Taiwan. The same holds true for school shows and science assemblies. The Magic of Science, Chemistry! It Really Matters and Physics is Fun are unique high quality programs created and performed by Mobile Ed Productions. Accept knock off substitutes if you must, but do so at your own risk and be aware that you are, in essence, trading in stolen goods!

Geoff Beauchamp is the Regional Manager of Mobile Ed Productions where "Education Through Entertainment" has been the guiding principal since 1979. Mobile Ed Productions produces and markets quality educational school assembly programs in the fields of science, history, writing, astronomy, natural science, mathematics, character issues and a variety of other curriculum based areas. In addition, Mr. Beauchamp is a professional actor with 30 years of experience in film, television and on stage. He created and still performs occasionally in Mobile Ed's THE LIVING LINCOLN