There were some interesting discussions about the abolition of patents in Europe in the 19th century, that speak to what you're saying: http://www.techdirt.com

There were some interesting discussions about the abolition of patents in Europe in the 19th century, that speak to what you're saying: http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20130503/17414322946/discussions-abolition-patents-uk-france-germany-netherlands-1869.shtml http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20130503/17414322946/discus...