Patent Quote by John Abramson
![“In 1955, amid the great fanfare that accompanied the initial release of the [polio] vaccine, Dr. Jonas Salk was asked who owned the patent. He replied, "Well, the people, I would say. Could you patent the sun?” quote by John Abramson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/bcd/john-abramson-70948_patent_in-1955-amid-the-great-fanfare-that-acco_3116656.jpg)
““In 1955, amid the great fanfare that accompanied the initial release of the [polio] vaccine, Dr. Jonas Salk was asked who owned the patent. He replied, "Well, the people, I would say. Could you patent the sun?””
About This Quote
Source Interview: The Vaccine Debate, 2020
The inventor suggests that medical breakthroughs belong to humanity, not private ownership, emphasizing shared benefit over profit.
In simple terms: Medical discoveries should be public.
Key Takeaway
Advocate open access to health innovations.
Themes
ethics
public health
ownership
science
patents
Mood
thoughtful
inspirational
Type
ethical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- policy making
- public health campaigns
- research funding
- educational curricula
Key Concepts
commons
collective benefit
social responsibility
Questions to Reflect On
- How can society reward innovators while keeping essential medicines affordable?
- What mechanisms ensure fair distribution of medical advances?
A Different Perspective
Patents can incentivize innovation; balancing openness and incentives is complex.
![“[Who owns the patent on this vaccine?] Well, the people, I would say. There is no patent. Could you patent the sun?” quote by Jonas Salk](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/4fa/jonas-salk-9307_humility_who-owns-the-patent-on-this-vaccine-well_3027708.jpg)
![“Next came the Patent laws. These began in England in 1624; and, in this country, with the adoption of our constitution. Before then [these?], any man might instantly use what another had invented; so that the inventor had no special advantage from his own invention. The patent system changed this…” quote by Abraham Lincoln](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/449/abraham-lincoln-88_adoption_next-came-the-patent-laws-these-began-in_1828.jpg)
