You describe human development very well- incidentally which was never
a corporation in the first place. Unfortunately, you then proceed to
call for human development privatisation?
Well, it was not a corporation, but it has always had the "elements" of a corporation. Systems such as feudalism etc. Socialism failed as it stifled the need for individual productivity. Capitalism rewards the individual (not necessaryily equitably, but a reward, all the same)
Would folks here be aware that today there are people in Developed
Countries who sit all days combing through dictionaries and patenting
words? There is now a matured "IP Industry" trading on those names out
there and don't be surprised if soon you wake up only to find out that
you cannot use your name on the internet - because someone patented or
registered it as a trademark. It's baaad! This is not a joke!
You are comparing the best case Open Source Scenario with worst case patents. Apple was able to win against cyber squatters http://news.cnet.com/Apple-wins-iTunes-cybersquatting-battle/2100-1030_3-5618589.html. People are also known to be *reasonable* in the patent world. The iPhone (brand name) is a Cisco brand for their IP phones, but they let brand go to apple (court battles notwithstanding :) ). Given that items like the kiondo are national heritage, and the government controls the same, was it not the government (or whatever aspiring local entrepreneur) to patent it? Many times, people have the money to patent, they just lack the initiative. If you buy a car, you ensure you get a log book, when you buy land, you ensure you get a title deed, invent something? Get a patent. Otherwise, how will you protect your one + year of effort? Praying on the goodwill of fellow human beings?
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With Regards,
Phares Kariuki
| T: +254 734 810 802 | E:
pkariuki@gmail.com | Twitter: kaboro | Skype: kariukiphares |