Isn't the jist of this all about the software / code contained within ECMs and such? Not about nuts and bolts, but about the software that runs the vehicle?
Just like most of the software on most of the computers used to access INGO. Generally speaking, it's all licensed copies. You don't "own" Microsoft Windows; you own a licensed copy.
The problem is companies like John Deere are trying to use the argument that since their equipment is computer controlled and they only license the code to you, and that code is required to run all aspects of the attached sheet metal, rubber, and plastic. Therefore pretty much everything except the damn key you use to start it is still theirs. You dont actually own that tractor.
Thats like saying Microsoft owns your IBM computer tower because you installed windows on it.