I think people forget that its purpose was to "promote the Progress of Science and useful Arts". In the case of today's software, it is actually doing the oppos

I think people forget that its purpose was to "promote the Progress of Science and useful Arts". In the case of today's software, it is actually doing the opposite; it's a drag on innovation. "To promote the Progress of Science and useful Arts, by securing for limited Times to Authors and Inventors the exclusive Right to their respective Writings and Discoveries." -Article I, Section 8, Clause 8 of the United States Constitution