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Probably because copyright is automatic and patents aren't. You have to actively patent an invention to make sure nobody else patents it, but the same risk (som
by delecti 11y ago
Probably because copyright is automatic and patents aren't. You have to actively patent an invention to make sure nobody else patents it, but the same risk (someone else copyrighting the government's work) isn't really applicable on the other side.
- unchocked 11y agoI don't think that's the case: an unpatented invention (that is disclosed) becomes prior art, which protects the invention from being patented by someone else. Theoretically. The US patent system is a mess, from the rubber-stamp examiners in DC to the ridiculous judges in East Texas.
- refurb 11y agoI don't think that's the case: an unpatented invention (that is disclosed) becomes prior art, which protects the invention from being patented by someone else. If an unpatented invention is disclosed publically (not through a patent application), then it becomes public domain and nobody can patent it. Also, the US is no longer "first to invent", but rather "first to file". You could have a claim that you invented it first, but if someone files before you, you are SOL.
- fu9ar 11y agoCopyright is automatic in principle, but not in practice. You have to pay lawyers a shitload of money in order to enforce either. The same risk, of having to pay lawyers a shitload of money, stands in both cases.