An early expression of democracy, the US patent system is out of step with today’s citizens

This year, July 31 marks the 225th

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anniversary of the first patent issued in the United States. Though the American patent system was designed initially to stimulate innovation, some citizens now argue that it’s actually hurting innovation, limiting access to technology and promotingunethical areas of research and innovation. These critics are making their voices heard through courtroom challenges, legislative hearings and even street protests.

This grassroots activism might seem strange. After all, the patent system is a highly specialized technical and legal domain, seemingly of interest only to inventors seeking exclusive rights to commercialize their new technologies for a limited period of time. Why has it become such a controversial site, and what can policymakers and citizens do about it?

https://theconversation.com/an-early-expression-of-democracy-the-us-patent-system-is-out-of-step-with-todays-citizens-43812