The Creation of the US Patent Office
It is April 10, 1790. President George Washington has just signed a bill to create the United States Patent Office. For the first time in American history, the right of an inventor to profit from his or her invention is recognized by law. Previously, privileges granted to an inventor were dependent upon the prerogative of a monarch or upon a special act of a legislature.
The Constitution
The Constitution ( Article 1, Section 8, Clause 8) empowers Congress:
“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.”