Beware this analysis. Intent can matter in copyright law in many important ways, even if not on the core question of whether there was infringement.[1] And the fact that a bad actor with a big legal budget can still make hell does not make something worthless. By that standard, all contracts are worthless. It’s also worth remembering that not everyone is a bad actor. You can help secure good will and trust by making sure that the other guy has a full understanding and proper notice of your arrangement.

I don’t know much about CLAs and I’m no expert in copyright law, but I’m just saying that this piece doesn’t pass the smell test. It might still be the case that CLAs aren’t worth your trouble—I really don’t know—but I’d want better reasons that the ones in this piece.

[1] https://www.trademarkandcopyrightlawblog.com/2013/12/innocen...