PUBLIC MARKS from Morgaine with tag ip

The creation of IP rights in modern history can be portrayed as a very nice illustration of the influence of various pressure groups grazing the commons. This view invalidates the natural right theory of intellectual property (IP) and leaves contract theory - however economists often found specific IP rights difficult to justify. A minimal alternative (trademarks only) and a moderate alternative (trademarks, industry-specific patents and short copyright) are discussed. Concluding are some speculations on the comparative neglect IP has received politically.