sarathy@gpu.utcs.toronto.edu (Rajiv Sarathy) (09/19/88)
In article <506@mks.UUCP> wheels@mks.UUCP (Gerry Wheeler) writes: > >Didn't I hear once about some form of protection (copyright, trademark, >or something) which had limited duration? This would let the inventor >have x years to launch the product, make his big bucks and get his name >plastered all over the place, but after that time others would have a >chance to share the pie. > >Did I just dream about this, or is it real? Does it apply to this type >of situation? Would it be a good idea? >-- > Gerry Wheeler Phone: (519)884-2251 In Canada, a patent bill was introduced which would allow drug manufacturers to start making generic drugs 10 years after patent was granted. ie. If you were to invent a new drug (not a slight modification of an older one) and were granted a patent, then your next-door neighbour (Canadian spelling) would be able to start selling the same drug (which he could make in his basement) 10 years from the date the patent was granted. (Of course his basement would have to pass all health laws, etc. and would have to be zoned for a commercial establishment, ...) I don't recall if the bill was passed (made into legislation), but my guess is that it was. I haven't thought about whether this would be good for the software industry. (If patents and copyrights can be considered the same for this purpose). --Raj ----- Disclaimer: I'm just an undergrad. ----- Email address is: sarathy@gpu.utcs.toronto.edu -- NOT what you see above.