The Democratization of Invention: Patents and Copyrights in American Economic Development, 17901920 [Paperback]

This book, first published in 2005, examines the evolution and impact of American intellectual property rights during the 'long nineteenth century'.This book examines the evolution and impact of American intellectual property rights during the long nineteenth century, and also compares the American system to development in France and Britain. The United States created the first modern patent system and its politics were the most liberal in the world toward inventors. In contrast, the US copyright regime was among the weakest in the world, and the it profited from international copyright piracy for a century. American patent and copyright institutions promoted a process of democratization that not only furthered economic and technological progress but also provided a conduit for the creativity and achievements of disadvantaged groups.This book examines the evolution and impact of American intellectual property rights during the long nineteenth century, and also compares the American system to development in France and Britain. The United States created the first modern patent system and its politics were the most liberal in the world toward inventors. In contrast, the US copyright regime was among the weakest in the world, and the it profited from international copyright piracy for a century. American patent and copyright institutions promoted a process of democratization that not only furthered economic and technological progress but also provided a conduit for the creativity and achievements of disadvantaged groups.An Examination of the evolution and impact of American intellectual property rights during the 'long nineteenth century,' this book compares the American system to developments in the more oligarchic societies of France and Britain. The United States created the first modern patent system and its policies were the most liberal in the world toward inventors. Individuals who did not have the resources to directly exploit their inventions benefitl£K