The Vienna World’s Fair in 1873 and the International Patent Congress

Abstract

This paper reflects on technology and property in the late nineteenth century, observing the making of technology appropriation mechanisms in a new stage of capitalist development. During the Vienna World's Fair in 1873, the International Patent Congress was held, which was the first major event exclusively dedicated to the subject of industrial property rights. The debates tended to support the functions fulfilled by the patent system as a mechanism for protection, reward, and incentive to innovation, indicating the need to standardize concepts, rules, requirements and procedures adopted by different countries, as well as the adoption of an international patent law.