--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: For one thing, there are many…" description: "\"For one thing, there are many \"inventions\" that are not patentable. The \"inventor\" of the supermarket, for example, conferred great benefits on his fel..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/570/milton-friedman-616_ability_for-one-thing-there-are-many-inventions_2910203.jpg" --- # For one thing, there are many "inventions" that are not… ![“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…” quote by Milton Friedman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/570/milton-friedman-616_ability_for-one-thing-there-are-many-inventions_2910203.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/570/milton-friedman-616_ability_for-one-thing-there-are-many-inventions_2910203.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/570/milton-friedman-616_ability_for-one-thing-there-are-many-inventions_2910203.jpg) > “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.” [Milton Friedman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/milton-friedman/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. 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. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Ability](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ability/) [Economics](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/economics/) [Existence](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/existence/) [Innovation](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/innovation/) [Invention](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/invention/) [Inventor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/inventor/) [Life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/life/) [Patents](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/patents/) ## Related quotes > [What I really want is to sit next to someone under an L.L. bean blanket on the beach in the fall and drink coffee…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/augusten-burroughs/what-i-really-want-is-to-sit-next-to-someone-under-an-l-l-bean/) [Augusten Burroughs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/augusten-burroughs/) > [About 30% of fresh food is thrown away in supermarkets every day, although they will deny it. 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