Page:Reciprocity in respect to patents and patent rights. A scheme for the consideration of the International American congress (IA reciprocityinres00seel).pdf/11

 This term, dictated by do special reasons, is found expedient in practice, and, so far as relates to the period of public use which shall constitute a bar to a patent to the true inventor, it is urged for adoption by the other American nations. It has already been incorporated into the patent law of Venezuela. It is an encouragement to the inventor, since it enables him before applying for a patent to ascertain experimentally the commercial adaptation of his invention f6r any particular country, and it is in no respect disadvantageous to the public of that country.

Article V scarcely needs explanation. It simply expresses acquiescence in the domestic laws of each country, and practically is a repetition in more specific terms of a part of Article I.

Article VI is in accordance with the existing statute of some South American states. No occasion for such a statute has been found in the United States. Diplomatic intervention in matters of this character is not likely to occur, but if attempted would meet with scant favor. The existence of such a law in several states indicates that the need of it has been felt, and the United States will not hesitate to pronounce herself in full accord with the public policy that has led to its enactment.