ARTICLE · 18 FEBRUARY 2025

Blog Post: The McFlurry Conspiracy: How Copyright Law Kept Your Ice Cream Machine 'Broken'

Nelligan Law

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You pull into the McDonald's drive-thru, a car full of kids vibrating with anticipation. The chant begins, a rhythmic, sugar-fueled war cry...

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You pull into the McDonald's drive-thru, a car full of kids vibrating with anticipation. The chant begins, a rhythmic, sugar-fueled war cry:

"Mc-Flur-ry! Mc-Flur-ry! Mc-Flur-ry!"

It's the moment they've been waiting for—a well-earned reward after a grueling soccer game, a road trip pit stop, or simply enduring the cruel and unusual punishment of being in school. As the heroic provider of joy, you lean forward, ready to make dreams come true.

"Hi, can I get—"

"Sorry, the ice cream machine's broken."

And just like that, the dream dies.

The back seat erupts into chaos. A five-year-old stares out the window, questioning the meaning of existence. The teenager, hardened by years of fast-food betrayals, mutters, "It's always broken." Even the family dog, sensing the tragedy, lets out a deep, knowing sigh.

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