Is patent necessary?

Question

Is patent necessary?

Answer 1

If you mean: are patents in general necessary? I'd say yes. It gives people the incentive to invest in R&D. I think its the main reason why we have some many good technologies nowadays.

If you mean is it necessary to patent a particular invention/idea that you have, then it really depends on what you've invented.

Check out http://www.patentengineers.com

It explains how patents work, and how to apply for one.

Answer 2

I believe in some cases a patent is necessary to encourage innovation, however I believe the patent system has been abused. Personally, I don't believe algorithms, gene sequences, etc should be patented. Algorithms (e.g. gif and mpeg encoding, some encryption algorithms) are mathematics and as such they are discovered, not built. I believe Europe does not recognize software patents, but they do recognize copyrights. The same holds true for gene sequences. They are discovered, not invented.

Some patents are clearly abusive, such as patents for using a mouse click to purchase something online. There really isn't anything new about it, it is obvious and there is "prior art" involved.

Some discoverers of computer algorithms have patented their discoveries and made them available for free to anyone who wants to use them. Patenting them protects against another company claiming a patent on the same algorithm.

Answer 3

It is necessary if you do not want someone getting credit for a full idea that you developed...or brought to light.