Inventions, patents, and the engineer

Benefits derived by the engineer and by the public from the United States patent laws are surveyed here by an engineer. He discusses the opposition and the apathy of certain groups toward the American patent system and points out the importance of stimulating the interest of engineers in the attacks upon it. Although he recognizes shortcomings in the system, he urges that those of its elements “that have made the United States outstanding as an inventive nation” be retained as a foundation for a program of improvement.