One last feature of technological change that deserves mention is the fact that there is always a surprisingly wide range of alternative methods of getting a job done, each being characterized by a different mix of inputs. Conclusion Anyone familiar with the world of inventions knows that there is no short supply of new ideas. In most cases, however, the new invention has some major flaw that will make it either too expensive or impractical. The patent system reflects this reality, for the vast majority of patents end up their lives unused in the files of patent offices, corporations and individual inventors. The case against the patent system is even stronger if one considers that an inventor is, to some extent, protected by the law as long as he clearly explains to another party that he is presenting him an idea which is his personal property.
Nobody wants it.
Nobody will want it when you have completed it and are ready to sell. When an invention has been proven useful and all its technical difficulties have been worked out, however, what an inventor needs more than anything is instinct in choosing the right people to work with. Ultimately, a patent adds nothing to the value of an impractical invention and little to one that might seem promising. Basalla, G., The Evolution of Technology , Cambridge, Cambridge University Press,1988. Canadian Intellectual Property Office, A Guide to Patents , Ottawa, Publications Centre Communications Branch, Industry Canada, 1994.