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Storyline and fashion patents

Revision as of 11:22, 9 July 2011 by 116.83.134.234 (talk) (Storylines)

Film, literature, and fashion are examples of innovative fields where ideas cannot be patented. (Another article descibes how software innovation also happens without patents.)

Storylines

The complete lack of patents for storylines and the centuries of innovation in story writing provide proof that patents are not necessary for innovation or investment of effort. Patents are not "necessary" for innovation at all, as innovation was present long before, and in the absence of, state enforced patent monopolies. However, the purpose of the patent system is to incentivize innovation. Thus, it is possible that storyline patents may increase the rate of storyline innovation.

The USPTO is currently reviewing four patent applications claiming fictional storylines. (to check: See Ben D. Manevitz "What's the Story with Storyline Patents - An Argument Against the Allowance of Proposed Storyline Patents and for the Rejection of Currently Pending Storyline Patent Applications" (2006) 24 Cardozo Arts & Entertainment Law Journal 717.)

Fashion

Fashion is another example. Here are some articles that explore this topic:

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