I can see the difference when the action is unseen, and you have to draw attention to it to go to court, but I don't see how it applies to a service done in public like Uber. Should they be suing themselves?
Well, they're now getting sued. The other option would have been to apply for a permit, get denied a permit, go to court. They chose not to but rather offer their service despite it being clearly in violation of the law. I feel no pity for them.
Sure, to some extend yes. But Ubers public line of defense is "this unfair law should not apply, have mercy with us." (which is incredibly whiny). Now if the CEO would say "I believe this is unfair and I'll go to prison for it.", that would gain some respect with me :)
