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If Michael Jordan inspired me to play basketball, does that mean that Michael Jordan invented basketball?

It doesn't matter where he got the idea. Ideas aren't protected unless they're patented. If it's not patented, or if it's not even patentable, then it's fair game.

I mentioned him for just the general idea of connecting reporters and sources. That's all. Before HARO, I had never thought about the problem at all. But HARO is hardly a new idea at all, it's just that's where I first encountered it.

This is a really bad thing to post publicly by the way. If I was HARO's lawyer, I'd frame your comment for later use. Seriously. Actually I will use your comment in my next slides as an example of what not to do.

That being said, I'm working on blog post about your situation. You'll see...

What portion of the law limits the use of 'ideas?' HARO can't copyright the 'idea' of connecting sources with reporters, nor can they trademark it. The only thing they might have is an overly broad patent, but seeing as that wasn't in the C&D letter then I have to assume not.

On what legal grounds does HARO even have a case?