Fabian torres
GE273
4/28/11
W7
The issue being raised in chapter 1 of Against Intellectual Monopoly by Boldrin and Levine is copyright laws being used for “the creation of unnecessary monopoly.” By patenting an idea pertaining to steam powering and engine, James Watt was insured that no other could use his/her idea, at least not without paying royalties through licensing or suffering the consequences of the legal system. This would prove to be beneficial to Watt but detrimental for the early innovation of the steam engine. (Boldrin and Levine 1)
According to Boldrin and Levine, “the fuel efficiency of steam engines changed little during the period of Watt’s patent; while between 1810 and 1835 it is estimated to have increased by a factor of five.” Watt blocked the innovation of the steam engine by putting a patent on the idea. Other inventors and modifiers of the steam engine were holding their advancements of the steam engine until after the patent as to not suffer legal issues. The transportation and working industry could have been better off earlier if it weren’t for Watt’s patent. Because of the patent, Watt’s had no competition. Competition could have brought more ideas to Watt and other inventors. Even when Watts’ patent expired, the competition made cheaper steam engines which were no match for Watts’ more experienced and excellent productions.
By being the first to patent his idea, Watt used the legal system to his advantage. By keeping other innovators at bay, the legal system made Watt a monopoly and in turn hindered the industrial revolution for decades.