Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt has stirred controversy with remarks made during a Stanford University address, suggesting that AI startups could replicate existing platforms like TikTok and then hire lawyers to 'clean up the mess' if they face legal repercussions for intellectual property theft. He criticized Google's remote work culture for its perceived failure to compete with emerging rivals like OpenAI. Schmidt proposed a hypothetical scenario where entrepreneurs could command AI to create a viral product using stolen elements, later downplaying the legality of such actions by stating he did not advocate for illegal activities. His comments have raised ethical concerns regarding the responsibilities of tech leaders in AI development and intellectual property rights. Following the backlash, the video of the event was removed from YouTube, although Schmidt remains a significant figure in Silicon Valley as an investor in AI startups. His remarks highlight the tension between innovation and legal considerations in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.