[PASSED] Foreign Patent Act

[Auralia]

"If the lack of a patent system so inherently stifles innovation, I'm sure we will see the extinction of economic philosophies that do not allow for them."

You seem to be under the impression that any harm associated with your proposal will be limited to those member states who choose not to recognize patents. That's not the case. These states will be free to steal patented intellectual property, manufacture the associated inventions, and undercut the original inventor on the global market. It's the economies of member states which do recognize patents that will be harmed as a result, which is precisely why patent law harmonization is such an important international issue.

Of course, in the long run, the resulting lack of innovation will probably hurt everyone, including the nations who are acting as piracy havens. The underlying point still stands, however.

Martin Russell
Chief Ambassador, Auralian Mission to the World Assembly

[Noria and Darinus]

Does this proposal have any effect on the limitations of patents. It concerns me that the overarching theme of the proposal is liberalisation of patent system however, it doesn't state any restrictions on the extents of these powers. Would the Ambassador please clarify what the limits on the strength of the international patents would be?

Henry Hughes
President of Deira, Prime Minister to Noria and Darinus, World Assembly Ambassador.

[Wallenburg]

Does this proposal have any effect on the limitations of patents. It concerns me that the overarching theme of the proposal is liberalisation of patent system however, it doesn't state any restrictions on the extents of these powers. Would the Ambassador please clarify what the limits on the strength of the international patents would be?

Henry Hughes
President of Deira, Prime Minister to Noria and Darinus, World Assembly Ambassador.

"Limitations on the power of patents is actually a recurring theme in this resolution. Clauses three and seven in particular provide for this. Illegal inventions cannot be patented, and clause seven allows member states to deny patent recognition when the invention is illegal, obsolete, or in the public domain, when the invention is of no real use or value, when the patent holder has no intent of exercising the patent, and so on."

[Excidium Planetis]

"If the lack of a patent system so inherently stifles innovation, I'm sure we will see the extinction of economic philosophies that do not allow for them."

"Those nations are simultaneously able to profit off the inventions of other nations, and simultaneously protect intellectual property in their own nation without a patent system, as your resolution only prohibits them from protecting intellectual property rights abroad. They can both encourage invention in their own nations and discourage it elsewhere, a massive advantage over nations which use patents.

"That is to say nothing of the fact that while theft makes for a poor economic system, people still practice it because the thieves benefit at the expense of others."

[Noria and Darinus]

Does this proposal have any effect on the limitations of patents. It concerns me that the overarching theme of the proposal is liberalisation of patent system however, it doesn't state any restrictions on the extents of these powers. Would the Ambassador please clarify what the limits on the strength of the international patents would be?

Henry Hughes
President of Deira, Prime Minister to Noria and Darinus, World Assembly Ambassador.

"Limitations on the power of patents is actually a recurring theme in this resolution. Clauses three and seven in particular provide for this. Illegal inventions cannot be patented, and clause seven allows member states to deny patent recognition when the invention is illegal, obsolete, or in the public domain, when the invention is of no real use or value, when the patent holder has no intent of exercising the patent, and so on."

This however doesn't allow the governments to deny a legal patent. One are of major concern is healthcare where damaging patents for life saving machinery/medication which is produced by private companies would be detrimental to the system. Furthermore, their unlimited access to said patents stifles competition in the form of monopolies. Lastly the length of these patents is not mentioned enough. Would the Ambassador please clarify on these areas of concern.

Henry Hughes
President of Deira, Prime Minister to Noria and Darinus, World Assembly Ambassador.

[Excidium Planetis]

OOC: This is the closest vote I have seen in a while. Several hours into voting and it is 49% For to 51% Against. The balance has shifted a few times as major delegates cast their votes.

"Limitations on the power of patents is actually a recurring theme in this resolution. Clauses three and seven in particular provide for this. Illegal inventions cannot be patented, and clause seven allows member states to deny patent recognition when the invention is illegal, obsolete, or in the public domain, when the invention is of no real use or value, when the patent holder has no intent of exercising the patent, and so on."

This however doesn't allow the governments to deny a legal patent. One are of major concern is healthcare where damaging patents for life saving machinery/medication which is produced by private companies would be detrimental to the system. Furthermore, their unlimited access to said patents stifles competition in the form of monopolies. Lastly the length of these patents is not mentioned enough. Would the Ambassador please clarify on these areas of concern.

Henry Hughes
President of Deira, Prime Minister to Noria and Darinus, World Assembly Ambassador.

"President Hughes, medical innovations are already addressed by prior WA resolutions." Blackbourne informs the ambassador.

[Herzegovenia]

A person cant own an idea.
He or she will receive the proper rewards for coming up with the item, and will receive a confortable living has a thank you, but he will not "own" the idea.

[The Derpy Democratic Republic Of Herp]

Silver Zephyr speaks up and says "The Derpy Democratic Republic of Herp has voted for this proposal. The doctors of our nation are ready to help any of our WA brothers and sisters."

[States of Glory WA Office]

OOC: Just two votes in it last time I checked. This is genuinely exciting.

IC: Fairburn: While we despise the Wallenburgers...

Neville: It's more of an 'I' than a 'we'...

Fairburn: We will vote for this fine proposal.

[Yes Gawd]

Totally for this. Why should we let intellectual property be taken by those who don't deserve credit for it?

[Zjaum]

The strict enforcement of patents, especially ones with long lifespans, is a terrible idea for the economy. It discourages the use of these new ideas, and it enforces the monopolization of ideas to individual people (or nation-states). While patents are good, one nation has no control over the patent laws of another nation, so ideas could be locked away indefinitely.

Very bad idea, VOTE AGAINST.

[The Derpy Democratic Republic Of Herp]

The strict enforcement of patents, especially ones with long lifespans, is a terrible idea for the economy. It discourages the use of these new ideas, and it enforces the monopolization of ideas to individual people (or nation-states). While patents are good, one nation has no control over the patent laws of another nation, so ideas could be locked away indefinitely.

Very bad idea, VOTE AGAINST.

"How does treating a patient in your country, monopolies ideas?" -Silver Zephyr, WA ambassador

[Noria and Darinus]

OOC: This is the closest vote I have seen in a while. Several hours into voting and it is 49% For to 51% Against. The balance has shifted a few times as major delegates cast their votes.

This however doesn't allow the governments to deny a legal patent. One are of major concern is healthcare where damaging patents for life saving machinery/medication which is produced by private companies would be detrimental to the system. Furthermore, their unlimited access to said patents stifles competition in the form of monopolies. Lastly the length of these patents is not mentioned enough. Would the Ambassador please clarify on these areas of concern.

Henry Hughes
President of Deira, Prime Minister to Noria and Darinus, World Assembly Ambassador.

"President Hughes, medical innovations are already addressed by prior WA resolutions." Blackbourne informs the ambassador.

Thank you for making this apparent to me. I shall be firing one of my civil servants for his lack of oversight immediately! However I still firmly believe that the broad and openness of this resolution means that medical innovations could potentially be at risk if not covered by previous legislation. The fact that there is no clear safeguard for any industry is a scary thought and has swayed my opinion on this matter.

Henry Hughes
President of Deira, Prime Minster of Noria and Darinus, and Ambassador to the World Assembly.

[Grand Freedonia]

From the desk of the Grand Freedonian Ambassador:
"Grand Freedonia opposes this resolution on the grounds that creating a WA Patent Office would only add to the bloated nature of this organization. We will support no new programs until the WA starts making cuts."
- A. Pismo Clam

[Wineclaw]

Forbids member nations from granting or recognizing patents for illegal inventions

"Illegal under whose laws? The member nations' or the WA's?"



The Collective has tentatively voted against this proposal.

[Wallenburg]

Forbids member nations from granting or recognizing patents for illegal inventions

"Illegal under whose laws? The member nations' or the WA's?"

The Collective has tentatively voted against this proposal.

"Illegal under either, Ambassador."

[Zjaum]

"How does treating a patient in your country, monopolies ideas?" -Silver Zephyr, WA ambassador

"I believe, ambassador, you confuse 'patent' with 'patient.' Patients must be treated, sure, but patents affect the lifespan of the invention. Misused patents can destroy the welfare of world-changing inventions. In that way, patents are more important." -Trygve Plaustrum, Zjaum Ambassador to the WA

[Wallenburg]

The strict enforcement of patents, especially ones with long lifespans, is a terrible idea for the economy. It discourages the use of these new ideas, and it enforces the monopolization of ideas to individual people (or nation-states). While patents are good, one nation has no control over the patent laws of another nation, so ideas could be locked away indefinitely.

Very bad idea, VOTE AGAINST.

"I cite clause six:

6. Further tasks the WAPS with evaluating the conditions of member states' economies and conducting any other relevant research in order to determine and set unbiased and appropriate expiration dates in each member nation on a case-by-case basis for its granted patents,

[Leruc]

Whilst the fair nation of Leruc does not use, and does not intend to use, a patent system, we approve of the desire to protect the intellectual property of those who wish it protected. We intend to vote in support of this proposal, though we question your decision to rule that an item may be considered illegal by the WAPS according to either WA laws or a member states laws. We recognise that the time for editing this proposal has passed, though we feel it prudent to suggest that if an item is to be patented by the WAPS, then it be considered legal or illegal under WA law only. If an item be legal according to the WA, but illegal within a nation, surely production and distribution by any means of such an item would also be illegal within that nation, rendering the patent moot.

[Zjaum]

The strict enforcement of patents, especially ones with long lifespans, is a terrible idea for the economy. It discourages the use of these new ideas, and it enforces the monopolization of ideas to individual people (or nation-states). While patents are good, one nation has no control over the patent laws of another nation, so ideas could be locked away indefinitely.

Very bad idea, VOTE AGAINST.

"I cite clause six:

6. Further tasks the WAPS with evaluating the conditions of member states' economies and conducting any other relevant research in order to determine and set unbiased and appropriate expiration dates in each member nation on a case-by-case basis for its granted patents,

"An agreeable point and sentiment. However, I bring three/four points:

First, calling the WAPS 'unbiased' doesn't make it so. There are too many factors within the human psyche to warrant the establishment of such a powerful organization without checks and balances by the nations.

Second, the WAPS's determination of patent powers and lifespans would depend upon the 'conditions of member states' economies' and similar traits? How does this not show bias towards either the wealthier or poorer nations? I cannot trust the poorer nation to make good use of the patented idea, nor can I trust the richer nation to withhold its power of monopoly.

Third, if I am to read the resolution correctly (according to point 4), the WAPS would place an international patent over the national patent. Then, may I ask, what good is the national patent? An entrepreneur would just manufacture the invention elsewhere, before the national patent expires and after the international patent expires! You may as well just receive the patent from the WAPS! Although the national patent is mandatory, it would have as much power as a supposed 'license to patent.' This would throw away national sovereignty on this matter.

At last we come to the heart of the matter: strengthening the patent, however restrictive the patent's charter is. My colleague from the great state of Wallenburg points out that the patents would have limited times. These times would be set on the international patents; the national patents would maintain their lengthy times! The WAPS patent would give validity to the withholding of information, information which could be used to strengthen the world economy and, in actuality, 'reduce barriers to free trade and commerce.' I cannot trust the WAPS to understand this in its nativity, and so I cannot endorse this resolution."

[Excidium Planetis]

"An agreeable point and sentiment. However, I bring three/four points:

First, calling the WAPS 'unbiased' doesn't make it so. There are too many factors within the human psyche to warrant the establishment of such a powerful organization without checks and balances by the nations.

"Then it is a good thing that WAPS is not staffed by humans." Blackbourne delivers with a straight face.

[Potted Plants United]

A large potted plant in a big plantpot with wheels suddenly starts talking through a conical protrusion of leaves near the top, under a crown of eyebulbs on stalks:

"We are slightly apprehensive of the mere intention of the patent-seeker to exercise its patent in the other member nations being enough for that nation having to observe the WAPS patent, but this is certainly an upgrade from the previous resolution, so we have cast our vote for."

[Wallenburg]

"I cite clause six:

6. Further tasks the WAPS with evaluating the conditions of member states' economies and conducting any other relevant research in order to determine and set unbiased and appropriate expiration dates in each member nation on a case-by-case basis for its granted patents,

"An agreeable point and sentiment. However, I bring three/four points:

First, calling the WAPS 'unbiased' doesn't make it so. There are too many factors within the human psyche to warrant the establishment of such a powerful organization without checks and balances by the nations.

"The WAPS, like any other committee, is to be staffed with gnomes, not humans."

Second, the WAPS's determination of patent powers and lifespans would depend upon the 'conditions of member states' economies' and similar traits? How does this not show bias towards either the wealthier or poorer nations? I cannot trust the poorer nation to make good use of the patented idea, nor can I trust the richer nation to withhold its power of monopoly.

"What I am getting here is that you think everyone in poor nations is generally stupid, and everyone in wealthy nations is generally corrupt. Those are some awful generalizations."

Third, if I am to read the resolution correctly (according to point 4), the WAPS would place an international patent over the national patent. Then, may I ask, what good is the national patent? An entrepreneur would just manufacture the invention elsewhere, before the national patent expires and after the international patent expires! You may as well just receive the patent from the WAPS! Although the national patent is mandatory, it would have as much power as a supposed 'license to patent.' This would throw away national sovereignty on this matter.

"As this resolution makes very clear, you cannot apply for an international patent without a national patent."

At last we come to the heart of the matter: strengthening the patent, however restrictive the patent's charter is. My colleague from the great state of Wallenburg points out that the patents would have limited times. These times would be set on the international patents; the national patents would maintain their lengthy times! The WAPS patent would give validity to the withholding of information, information which could be used to strengthen the world economy and, in actuality, 'reduce barriers to free trade and commerce.' I cannot trust the WAPS to understand this in its nativity, and so I cannot endorse this resolution."

"I'm afraid I don't have any interest in controlling the expiration of national patents. After all, they only have their effect within the relevant nation. The length of national patents is not an international issue."

[Grand Freedonia]

"An agreeable point and sentiment. However, I bring three/four points:

First, calling the WAPS 'unbiased' doesn't make it so. There are too many factors within the human psyche to warrant the establishment of such a powerful organization without checks and balances by the nations.

"Then it is a good thing that WAPS is not staffed by humans." Blackbourne delivers with a straight face.

"It would, in my opinion, be preferable for the WAPS to not exist"

A. Pismo Clam
Ambassador of Grand Freedonia

[Nilla Wayfarers]

"Then it is a good thing that WAPS is not staffed by humans." Blackbourne delivers with a straight face.

"It would, in my opinion, be preferable for the WAPS to not exist"

A. Pismo Clam
Ambassador of Grand Freedonia

In that case, ambassador, who would you suggest regulate the international patent system?