The Democratization of Invention: Patents and Copyrights in American Economic Development, 1790-1920 (NBER Series on Long-Term Factors in Economic Development) [Hardcover]

B. Zorina Khan (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 12, 2005 | ISBN-10: 052181135X | ISBN-13: 978-0521811354

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 benefited disproportionately from secure property rights and the operation of efficient markets. When markets expanded, these inventors contributed to the proliferation of new technologies and improvements. In contrast to its leadership in the area of patents, the US copyright regime was among the weakest in the world, in keeping with its utilitarian objective of promoting the general welfare. 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.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Given the widespread appeal to history in modern judicial opinions, academic articles, and public policy debates, such empirical work is important. Historians and economists may dispute some of her methods or conclusions, but such debates about the historical facts will be a welcome change to the ascendancy of rhetoric on such subjects. Khan's work is an important contribution to our discourse about American patent law and its historical development." - Adam Mossoff, Michigan State University

"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

Book Description

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.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 340 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (September 12, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 052181135X
• ISBN-13: 978-0521811354
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,131,085 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars American Exceptionalism and Patents, October 15, 2009

By 

Dale B. Halling "Dale B. Halling" (Colorado Springs, Colorado USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Democratization of Invention: Patents and Copyrights in American Economic Development, 1790-1920 (NBER Series on Long-Term Factors in Economic Development) (Paperback)

This is an excellent book, but clearly an academic book. Ms. Kahn traces the development of patent law and copyright law in the U.S. She shows that the U.S. created the first modern intellectual property system. This system was widely credited as a major factor for the U.S. becoming a technological leader in the world in less than 75 years. The U.S. patent system was so successful that it was widely copied by many European nations in the 18th century. This is a fact based book with a chronological approach to organizing most of its material. I highly recommend this book for anyone wanting to understand the U.S. patent systems unique place in history

5.0 out of 5 stars Ben Van Hoolandt's Review of Zorina Khan's "The Democratization of Invention", May 8, 2011

By 

Arthur M. Diamond, Jr. (Omaha, NE USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Democratization of Invention: Patents and Copyrights in American Economic Development, 1790-1920 (NBER Series on Long-Term Factors in Economic Development) (Paperback)

Length:: 9:01 Mins

Ben Van Hoolandt's review was made as part of a critical review assignment for the Spring 2011 Economics of Technology seminar at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, taught by Art Diamond. (The course syllabus stated that part of the critical review assignment consisted of the making of a video recording of the review, and the posting of the review to Amazon.)