Publisher's Synopsis
What is Intellectual Property really? Why has it been created, and for what purposes? Why is it so important in our global economy, to the point that its protection (or lack thereof) triggers disputes between countries? This book answers those and other many questions. From Sumer to the Silicon Valley, intellectual property, in all its many expressions, has been, is, and will be the tool that merchants and manufacturers use to differentiate theirs goods from competitors'. Intellectual property is a fundamental tool of entrepreneurship and free trade. It is an expression of human labor, with its inherent creativity and imagination, and therefore it is used by both multinational companies and humble artisans. It serves not only the making and selling of the rockets that will take us to the stars but also the making and selling of cloth and food in the markets of small, remote villages. Intellectual property is about freedom and against monopolies and unfair practices. With the help of carefully selected images and texts, and with short explanatory comments, The Invention of Intellectual Property books explains the past and present of intellectual property and gives a few clues on its future.
