The Patent System - Historical Articles and Introductory Information

The patent system of the United States and indeed the patent systems of all countries have their roots in medieval Europe when the sovereign might grant a commercial monopoly to certain favored companies engaged in commerce. The patent system has evolved so that now the monopoly right is granted in exchange for making advances in technology which eventually benefit all of us. The following articles tell about the history of the patent system (and particularly the patent system of the United States) and also provide an introductory look at the patent system as it exists today:

A Brief History of the Patent Law of the United States - The patent system has its roots in medieval Europe.
Patent Perspectives - How and why patents are obtained.
Patents are of National Origin - Patents are issued by governments.
Protecting Inventions Internationally - International protection of an invention has many pitfalls.
Protecting Inventions in Europe - The European Patent Office (EPO).
Copyright Fundamentals
US Patent Law Amendments 1999 - The U.S. Patent Law was changed in many ways in 1999 and this paper explains those changes.