The U.S. constitution makes it quite clear that intellectual property exists for...

spartango · on Aug 7, 2012

Eh, from a direct reading its not that clear:

From Article 1, Section 8: Congress shall have the Power to promote the Progress of Science and useful Arts, by securing for limited Times to Authors and Inventors the exclusive Right to their respective Writings and Discoveries.

I guess it's fair to say that 'the Progress of Science' is for the benefit of citizens, but there's definitely cutouts for the benefits of inventors & authors.

I think this muddiness definitely sits near the root of current IP debates.

gnaritas · on Aug 7, 2012

Looks pretty clear to me.

> Congress shall have the Power to promote the Progress of Science and useful Arts,

The goal or motive.

> by securing for limited Times to Authors and Inventors the exclusive Right to their respective Writings and Discoveries.

The means by which the goal is achieved. The benefit to authors and inventors are a means to and end, don't confuse the means for the motive.