"We've come to the conclusion that the best answer would be to put a copyright mark on every chip that says something like © 2004 HGP.com"

Well Duh.
Ain't this the above the same thing?? How do you know it will happen?

"Has he done it Gene ... and would that be o.k. with you??"

NO, NO.

Will WC do it?
Maybe but I'm betting if he does it will go away real quick if the sales are not good with it on there.