Internet Quote by Robert Cailliau
“At one point, CERN was toying with patenting the World Wide Web.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: CERN press conference, 1990s
CERN considered patenting the Web, highlighting tension between open innovation and commercial control.
In simple terms: CERN once thought about patenting the Web.
Key Takeaway
Balance openness with responsible stewardship.
Themes
innovation
ownership
technology
ethics
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
historical
analytical
When to use this quote
- research institutions
- startup founders
- policy makers
- educators
Key Concepts
Intellectual property
public good
digital commons
Questions to Reflect On
- Should foundational technologies be patented?
- How does openness affect innovation?
A Different Perspective
Patents can hinder widespread adoption and collaboration.
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