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About this quote

What does it mean?
Patent rules can stifle innovation if applied too broadly to old ideas.
In plain terms
If old ideas were patented strictly, progress would have stopped.
What can you take from it?
Patent laws should balance protection with open innovation.

Where it applies

  • tech industry
  • policy making
  • startup strategy

Putting it to work

  • review patent laws
  • encourage open standards
  • share knowledge

Questions to consider

  • Should old ideas be free for everyone?
  • How do patents affect your work?

Another view

Patents can also incentivize companies to invest in research.

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