Ability Quote by Milton Friedman
“For one thing, there are many "inventions" that are not patentable. The "inventor" of the supermarket, for example, conferred great benefits on his fellowmen for which he could not charge them. Insofar as the same kind of ability is required for the one kind of invention as for the other, the existence of patents tends to divert activity to patentable inventions.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Free to Choose, Milton Friedman, 1980
Patents protect only inventions that can be legally owned, leaving many beneficial ideas unprotected and discouraging their development.
In simple terms: Patents limit protection to certain ideas, blocking other useful innovations.
Key Takeaway
Consider how to reward non‑patentable innovations.
Themes
innovation
property law
economics
public good
Mood
critical
thought‑provoking
Type
ethical
policy
economic
When to use this quote
- technology startups
- public health
- education
- environmental solutions
Key Concepts
intellectual property
incentive structures
market failure
Questions to Reflect On
- How can society incentivize inventions that cannot be patented?
- What alternatives exist to patents for rewarding innovators?
A Different Perspective
Patents may stifle collaboration and slow diffusion of knowledge.
