While the beginnings of
Intellectual Property Rights reach as far back as the 1474 Venetian Patent
Statute, I claim Article I, section 8, clause 8 of the US Constitution as the
primary impetus of success of the United States in economics, business,
capitalism, art, and all areas of value-transaction.
The clause reads:
To promote the Progress of Science and useful Arts, by securing for
limited Times to Authors and Inventors the exclusive Right to their respective
Writings and Discoveries;
The idea was to allow the creator of value the right to claim, own, sell,
keep, receive credit, and otherwise be known as the originator of the work.
Without such right, many folk would be inhibited toward such creation, fearing
others would take credit and payment for their work. That would have had a
stunting effect on national progress.
Also, inherent in this clause is the idea that such a monopoly on intellectual
property should not be forever. Such a condition also would inhibit progress by
denying the right of adaptive usefulness.
This is but another example of just how important the Constitution is
and why any citizen of the US should value the Constitution.
When you take an oath upon entering elective office, appointive office,
even being a poll worker, your first and foremost promise is to the Constitution.
Article 1. section 8, clause 8 is one aspect of American idealism protected
by the Constitution.
Be proud!
