The Democratization of Invention
Patents and Copyrights in American Economic Development, 1790–1920

This book, first published in 2005, examines the evolution and impact of American intellectual property rights during the 'long nineteenth century'.

B. Zorina Khan (Author)

9780521811354, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 12 September 2005

342 pages
22.9 x 15.2 x 2.2 cm, 0.67 kg

"In an era when human genes are patentable and 'digital rights management' precludes fair-use copying of MP3s, Khan's historical analysis of American IP institutions provides an important long-term perspective on current issues."
Eric S. Hintz, Technology and Culture

This book, first published in 2005, examines the evolution and impact of American intellectual property rights during the 'long nineteenth century'. The American experience is compared to Britain and France, countries whose institutions reflected their oligarchic origins. Instead, US patent and copyright institutions were carefully calibrated to 'promote the general welfare'. The United States created the first modern patent system and its politics were the most liberal in the world toward inventors. When markets expanded, these inventors contributed to the proliferation of new technologies and improvements, many of which proved to be valuable both in economic and technical terms. American patent and copyright institutions not only furthered economic and technological progress but also provided a conduit for the creativity and achievements of disadvantaged groups.

1. Introduction
2. The patent system in Europe and America
3. Patent laws and litigation
4. Democratization and patented inventions
5. Women inventors in America
6. Patentees and married women's property rights
7. Great inventors and democratic invention
8. Copyright in Europe and America
9. American copyright law
10. Intellectual property and economic development.

Subject Areas: Economic history [KCZ], Economics, finance, business & management [K], History [HB]