Thomas Edison, the Wright Brothers, and many other inventors were enabled by the United States’ patent system, which has created wealth, spurred commercial and industrial progress, and improved the American standard of living for well over a century. But since then, policy changes have weakened this system, creating a wedge between creativity and ownership. In his new book To Invent Is Divine: Creativity and Ownership, James Edwards discusses how the intellectual property (IP) system designed by the American Founders became the world’s “gold standard.” He explains how patents—and IP generally—combine creative ability with ownership incentives, democratizing invention and securing the fruits of inventive labors with property rights.
Join Adam Mossoff for a conversation with the author about why IP protections are essential for fostering human flourishing, how the American system has been degraded, and steps policymakers can take to restore the system that has benefited the US and the world.
Join Hudson Institute for a conference with leaders from industry, government, academia, and defense to discuss the latest developments in the US-China AI competition.
Join House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers (AL-03) for a fireside discussion with Senior Fellow Nadia Schadlow on Congress’s role in revitalizing America’s defense industrial base.
Please join Hudson Institute for a special address on the current state-of-play by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who will join remotely, followed by a question-and-answer session on the war with Hudson Institute President and CEO John Walters.
Bill Frauenhofer, executive director for semiconductor investment and innovation at the US Department of Commerce, will join Hudson Institute Senior Fellow David Feith for an invitation-only fireside chat on semiconductor onshoring and the role of government capital in strengthening America’s technological and industrial leadership.
