I may be wrong but I recall the DECSS code (effectively a key for decrypting Compact Discs and DVDs) was printed on T-shirts in all sorts of creative ways. IIRC the MPAA and RIAA tried to stop that using copyright - and failed. Not sure if that supports your position or not, but there's some history.

As for how interpretations are finally arrived at, I'd just say that the law has an uncanny way of configuring itself to suit the powers of the day. :)

respects