Part 1, Chapter 1, Section 1

PART I

THE LAW OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY.

CHAPTER I.

THE LAW OF NATURE IN REGARD TO INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY.

SECTION I.

The Right of Property in Ideas to be proved by Analogy.

In order to understand the law of nature in regard to intellectual property, it is necessary to understand the principles of that law in regard to property in general. We shall then see that the right of property in ideas, is at least as strong as—and in many cases identical with—the right of property in material things.

To understand the law of nature, relative to property in general, it is necessary, in the first place, that we understand the distinction between wealth and property; and, in the second place, that we understand how and when wealth becomes property.

We shall therefore consider:

• 1.What is Wealth?
• 2.What is Property?
• 3.What is the Right of Property?
• 4.What Things are Subjects of Property?
• 5.How is the Right of Property Acquired?
• 6.What is the Foundation of the Right of Property?
• 7.How is the Right of Property Transferred?
• 8.Conclusions from the Preceding Principles.