Re: [Phys-l] Patent laws [was Video Encyclopedia of Physics Demos (ownership)]

[Bernard Cleyet <bernardcleyet@redshift.com>]

"Indeed a big part of the rationale for having patent laws at all
is to encourage refinements and further improvements."


Just listened to a short on the history of cinema [Yes, a few hours 
ago.], wherein the narrator explained that patent law stifled cinema 
creativity. The wizard of Menlo Park wouldn't license his machines.  As 
soon as projection machines were invented cinema flowered especially in 
France. 

bc

p.s. In another episode the narrator explained the lack of copy write or 
enforcement resulted in the greatest innovator (Méliès) to die penniless.

John Denker wrote:

> on 10/18/2006 10:00 PM Ludwik Kowalski said the following:
>  
>
> > This thread made me think about a hypothetical situation with a car. An 
> > inventor bought a car and then invented something to improve 
> > performance. He adds this gadget to the existing structure and drives a 
> > better car. Is he violating a patent law?
> >    
>
> No ... unless his improvement is a re-invention of something covered
> by another patent.
>
> Indeed a big part of the rationale for having patent laws at all
> is to encourage refinements and further improvements.
>
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