TY - BOOK DB - /z-wcorg/ DP - http://worldcat.org ID - 468413122 LA - English T1 - The democratization of invention : patents and copyrights in American economic development, 1790-1920 AU - Khan, B. Zorina. PB - Cambridge University Press CY - Cambridge Y1 - 2009/// SN - 9780521811354 052181135X 9780521747202 0521747201 AB - This book examines the evolution and impact of American intellectual property rights during the 'long nineteenth century.' The American experience is compared to Britain and France, countries whose institutions reflected their oligarchic origins. Instead, U.S. patent and copyright institutions were carefully calibrated to 'promote the general welfare.' The United States created the first modern patent system and its politics were the most liberal in the world toward inventors. When markets expanded, these inventors contributed to the proliferation of new technologies and improvements, many of which proved to be valuable both in economic and technical terms. American patent and copyright institutions not only furthered economic and technological progress but also provided a conduit for the creativity and achievements of disadvantaged groups. ER -