Quote:
Originally Posted by Ninjalawyer
Presumably than you're okay with patents expiring after 25 years. If I'm right about that, how does it make sense that the "property right" in an idea (in this case, an invention) can expire, but the "property right" in the expression of an idea should be able to last forever?
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There is a difference I think between the two. A written work such as a novel is finished when it is published. Sequels can be written but the 1st book is considered complete once it is a published work. An invention on the other hand such as say the electric light isn't necessarily a finished product. It is possible that improvements may be made to make the bulb more efficient. The initial idea of an electric light likewise can be discovered or worked out only by one person, but if someone can make a more efficient one or one that works by a different method then it would be a new thing in some respects.