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The origins of the US patent system dates back to the 1700's, and so I doubt that its primary purpose was to protect little guys, rather than providing general
by ryanhuff 16y ago
The origins of the US patent system dates back to the 1700's, and so I doubt that its primary purpose was to protect little guys, rather than providing general protection to all inventors, regardless of size.
I would appreciate a source if I am wrong.
- ergo98 16y agoOut of curiosity, why does the 1700s timeframe preclude such a purpose? That was an era when incredible individual invention occurred, largely in machines and chemistry. It was seldom the R&D division of a large manufacturer (those robber barons), but was often individual inventors. Virtually all invention was a individual or small group pursuit.
- anamax 16y agoSection 8 of the US Constitution says "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"