They were undoubtedly proponents for patents and advocates for this clause as being essential to the well being of our fledgling country and its economy. In principle, the concept of the patent system is simple. Just as Mr. Franklin believed, if you are bright enough to make something useful, you should be rewarded for your wit and efforts. Equally importantly, the usefulness of any invention should not be lost or hoarded, but should be shared and learned by all so that newer and perhaps even better inventions might be introduced - thereby being transformed from a secret into an engine for national economic progress. The patent achieves these seemingly opposite objectives.
Creativity is rewarded and public knowledge is enhanced.
Return to patent main page. The Patent Office is vested with the authority to govern the area of patents. Frequently, the inventor will turn to a patent practitioner, such as a patent attorney, to assist in this process. The first step in the patent process is the act of inventing. The inventor must use his or her own skills to invent something.