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

[Jack Uretsky <jlu@hep.anl.gov>]

This post suggests a fundamental confusion between patent and copyright 
protection.
	Patents protect ideas, as embodied in inventions.  Patents are 
only enforceable within the boundaries of a nation. (This is almost exacly 
correct - there are such things as design patentts, but they are protected 
osimilar grounds as other inventions).
	Copyright protects means of expression.  You may copy the plot of 
"Gond with the Wind", for example, as long as you do so in your own words.
Copyrights, by treaty, are internationally protected (by all the treaty 
signatories).
			Regards,
				Jack


On Fri, 20 Oct 2006, Bernard Cleyet wrote:

> "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.
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > Forum for Physics Educators
> > Phys-l@carnot.physics.buffalo.edu
> > https://carnot.physics.buffalo.edu/mailman/listinfo/phys-l
> _______________________________________________
> Forum for Physics Educators
> Phys-l@carnot.physics.buffalo.edu
> https://carnot.physics.buffalo.edu/mailman/listinfo/phys-l

--
"Trust me.  I have a lot of experience at this."
		General Custer's unremembered message to his men,
		just before leading them into the Little Big Horn Valley