..."I don't think the only, or even primary, value of patents is to encourage invention."... I think it might be - "To promote the Progress of Science and use

..."I don't think the only, or even primary, value of patents is to encourage invention."... I think it might be - "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." Nothing there about it being a transferable asset to be treated as property. Is an exclusive right for a limited time for authors and inventors. [edit] Otherwise it would presumably read: "by securing for limited Times to Companies and Investors the exclusive Right to the respective Writings and Discoveries of Authors and Inventors." Which doesn't scan nearly as well.