Step Two:
1. What is a patent?
A patent is a set of exclusive rights granted by a state to an inventor which provides the right to exclude others from making, using, selling, offering for sale, or importing the patented invention for a set amount of time.
2. What is the intentional purpose of patents?
Patents are made o encourage scientists and inventors to make discoveries, because they can keep property of it and profit from sales of it.
3. How long does a patent last? Can a patent be renewed (extended)?
In most countries patents last for twenty years and an annual fee must be paid on or around the anniversary or filing the patent to continue holding the patent.
4. Why do patents expire?
Patents expire because if patent terms were longer or unlimited patent owners could take advantage of the public by charging high prices for their products without fear of competition.
5. What are three or four controversies surrounding patents/ownership rights?
Apple holds a patent for multiple finger touch screen technology and is vowing to defend it even though other companies like Microsoft and Palm have already begun to develop products with the technologies.
You answer all of the questions, but the summary should be in essay form, linking the answers to the questions into a cohesive whole. Also, the last question is only partially answered. I ask for three or four controversies as that would give you a broader idea of how patents can be misused, and how they can affect the lives of people.
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