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Patents and the first industrial revolution in the United States, France and Britain, 1700-1850

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  • Bottomley, Sean

Abstract

This paper surveys the recent historiography of three national patent systems during the period of the first industrial revolution – the United States, France and, in particular detail, Britain. The purpose of the paper is two-fold. First, to show in a comparative framework how the institutional parameters of a patent system influence inventive activity. Second, to show that patents can, under certain circumstances, provide a net benefit to society.

Suggested Citation

  • Bottomley, Sean, 2014. "Patents and the first industrial revolution in the United States, France and Britain, 1700-1850," IAST Working Papers 14-14, Institute for Advanced Study in Toulouse (IAST).
    • Handle: RePEc:tse:iastwp:28752
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