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A new invention to poison people ... is not a patentable…

“A new invention to poison people ... is not a patentable invention.” quote by Joseph Story
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“A new invention to poison people ... is not a patentable invention.”

Joseph Story

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

An invention designed solely to harm cannot be protected as intellectual property, emphasizing that patents should promote beneficial innovation, not destructive tools.

In simple terms: Harmful inventions aren’t patentable.

Key Takeaway

Patents must serve public good.

Themes

law ethics innovation patent public welfare

Mood

cautious ethical critical

Type

legal ethical policy

When to use this quote

  • inventor seeking protection
  • government regulation
  • ethical review
  • product development
  • legal dispute

Key Concepts

intellectual property morality social responsibility

Questions to Reflect On

  • Should harmful inventions ever be regulated?
  • What defines “beneficial” innovation?
A Different Perspective

Enforcing this could limit defensive technologies.

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