Reborn In 17th century India with Black Technology

213  The Patent Act (1655) Part: (1/2)

Dakshin Bharatiya Empire, Vijayanagara State, Capital City - Hampi

After the opening of the queen's shop, people became more aware of the business liberalization in the empire. Thousands of new business owners were suddenly added to the Ministry of Trade and Commerce's registry.

Due to the liberalization of trade, positive growth effects began to appear. As more businesses were established, the demand for jobs increased, requiring managerial talent, individuals with scientific expertise, and various skills essential for the empire. Graduating students were swiftly recruited by government agencies, given that these positions were highly sought after. The remaining workforce was left for the private sector. Before the business liberalization, a small portion of graduates sufficed for the private sector. However, after the liberalization, private business owners became hungry for talent, competing against each other to attract skilled individuals.

In the royal capital, a parliamentary session has been held to deliberate the passing of a new bill proposed by His Majesty, the Emperor. While the likelihood of the bill passing is high, the formality of the parliamentary session must still be observed. The session commenced with the attendance of all ministers, and the elected members of the parliament were also present. This marked the first parliamentary session since their election, making it a notable and special experience.

"Badum"

As the large doors of the parliament opened, Vinod, presiding over the session, made his way through. The parliamentarians and ministers took their seats as Vinod reached the centre stage to outline the objective of the day.

"Good morning, esteemed parliamentarians and fellow ministers. Today, we are gathered as representatives of the people to decide whether the new bill proposed by His Majesty, the Emperor, should be legislated as a Law."

Everyone discussed in low voices among themselves, partly because they were unfamiliar with the term "patent," and others because they felt it was unnecessary to convene a parliamentary session for something proposed by His Majesty, hence the passing of the bill seemed inevitable. Although the parliamentarians knew they had the right to reject a bill proposed by His Majesty, it appeared more like a theoretical power, as going against the Emperor in parliament was a daunting prospect.

Moments later, the details of the bill were revealed to the parliamentarians. MPs from lower backgrounds, upon understanding the significance of the patent, were delighted and wholeheartedly praised His Majesty.

"What a brilliant idea!"

"As expected of His Majesty, the most benevolent emperor in the whole world."

"With this Patent Act, even a commoner with enough ingenuity can become rich overnight."

Unfortunately, just as there are those who support the bill, representing the 30% lower-caste reservations, there are also people who oppose it—about 30% of parliamentarians. These individuals were previously part of the elite in society. They used their connections and wealth to secure positions as ministers in the parliament, and their donors were elites like them who had a lot of influence in their area. While they convinced the people that they would bring positive changes in exchange for votes, it was more of an iceberg-like promise. It was not that they were looking to not fulfil their promises, because, in case they did renege on their promise, it was constitutionally legal to jail them if the promises were not fulfilled. So, instead of promising fake things, they promised real benefits that they will fulfil. It's just that what they assured the people was only the visible tip of the iceberg that did not conflict with their interests. They avoided any promises that could be problematic for their own class and their donors, similar to the iceberg submerged below the sea level.

As for how this new bill affects these MPs, it's simple really. Previously, if anyone came up with a new invention or something that increased the efficiency of production, it could be copied without any legal protection for the inventor. Now, with the new patent law, this poses a potential challenge for them.

"Hey, Mr. Gowda, should we reject this proposal?"

"Try it. I am sure by the next parliamentary session, you will be relinquished of your duties," replied Mr Gowda.

"Why do you say that? Don't we have the right to reject such proposals?"

"Of course, you can. But did you forget who put forward this proposal? It was His Majesty, the Emperor. If you're really so brave to reject His Majesty's proposal, not to mention His Majesty, most of the parliament members would vote for you to step down, and that would include me."

The MP who put forward his suggestion immediately fell silent.

"Although even I dislike this proposal, the losses for my donors are not too much. On the other hand, if I can support His Majesty's plan, I may even get into his good graces," Mr Gowda replied.

Upon hearing this, the MP who initially suggested rejecting the proposal immediately got enlightened and decided to do the same.

Among the remaining 40% of parliamentarians, they decided to vote in favour of His Majesty as well. These representatives were associated with traditional traders whose businesses did not involve any innovation concerning the patent system. Therefore, they saw no reason to go against the emperor for something that did not affect them.

By the end of the voting session, the 'Patent Act of the Dakshin Bhartiya Empire 1655' passed through the parliament with flying colours, with 98% of the MPs voting in favour.

The remaining two per cent consisted of MPs who did not know any better and prioritized their donors over the will of the emperor and the people.

Over the next few days, as the transcript of the parliament session spread throughout the empire, Vijay did not even have to take action. The people themselves quickly brought down these MPs as spontaneous protests erupted against those who prioritized the interests of their donors over the people.

These MPs became the first example for the rest of the parliamentarians. It was now clear that people could observe their performance in the parliament and figure out the intent behind their actions just by looking at their main donors.

In the days following the removal of these MPs, the businesses that funded them also took a hit. This happened about a month after the patent system was established. It was discovered that these companies had violated various patent laws by infringing on the original owners' work. Along with paying fines and compensating the original owners, the businesses also went bankrupt due to the low public opinion of them. Maybe this is Karma.

Back to the present day.

The parliamentary session concluded, and the very next day, the news quickly spread throughout the empire.

To ensure the news reached even the smallest village, Vijay employed the nagara kirtakas, (town criers or proclaimers of news), to proclaim the news. this job was Previously associated with a specific caste, But Vijay transformed it into an open job for anyone to enrol. Upon hearing the proclamation by the nagara kirtakas, the knowledgeable and curious individuals in each village promptly made their way to the nearest government establishment where the news was published.

All over the government establishments throughout the empire, people flocked in dense crowds, individuals eagerly trying to get in front of the crowd to read the notice themselves.

19:15

"Oh my god, is there such a thing?"

"Hey, maybe the ancestral recipe in our family could be patented. I am tired of people all over the town copying it and opening their own restaurants. Maybe our family could also become rich."

Such thoughts also arose from the people who read the notice.

In the village of Lingapura, Jayamma, who had recently decided to start her own company, also went to the local police station to figure out what the town's nagara kirtaka was talking about. As she did not know how to read, she took her loving eleven-year-old daughter with her, who knew how to read. she went to school after all.

The little girl skillfully started to read.

The Patent Act (1655)

By the Authority of His Majesty Vijay Deva Raya, Emperor of Dakshin Bharatiya Empire, Empowerer of Common People,

Having been duly considered by the esteemed Ministers of the parliament and with the Imperial Seal of Approval, the following Act is hereby established:

1. The Granting of Patents:

Any subject who invents a novel and beneficial craft, tool, or process, unlike anything known before in our lands, may petition for a Royal Patent.

2. The Royal Patent:

Upon successful examination by a designated commission, the inventor shall be granted a Royal Patent, a document officially recognizing their invention and granting them exclusive rights. n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

3. The Right of Monopoly:

For a period of seven years following the issuance of the Royal Patent, the inventor shall hold exclusive rights to sell, produce, or import their invention. Others wishing to exploit the invention must seek permission from the inventor, with a fair price to be negotiated.

4. The Disclosure of Knowledge:

In exchange for the Royal Patent, the inventor must provide a detailed description of their invention to a designated Jury. This record, kept confidential, will ensure the knowledge is preserved for future generations.

5. Penalties for Infringement:

Anyone found replicating a patented invention without permission shall face a fine to be split between the inventor and the Empire Treasury. Repeat offenders shall be subject to confiscation of their goods and potential imprisonment at the King's discretion.

6. The Role of the Guilds:

The esteemed Guilds of each trade shall oversee the application of this Act within their domain. They will assist the commission in evaluating inventions, settle disputes between inventors and holders of Royal Patents, and uphold the quality of patented goods.

7. Review and Revision:

This Act shall be reviewed by the jury of the Imperial committee every ten years to ensure its continued effectiveness in fostering innovation and securing the continued prosperity of our empire.

Let all subjects under His Majesty's benevolent rule be aware of this Act. May invention flourish under Royal protection, and may our land become a radiant hub of ingenuity!

Enacted by the Government of Dakshin Bharatiya Empire,

With the Imperial Seal of Approval To Be Continued...

P.S. I had to travel early today and didn't even have a chance to go to the dairy to buy milk; it's 45 per liter, by the way.

P.S. Tip for those who don't know: after the milk is turned into curd (how? Just pour a few spoons of curd/yogurt into lukewarm pasteurized milk, leave it for a night, TADAA!... Curd). On top of the curd, a light yellow layer will be there. Scoop out the yellow layer into a bottle—no problem if some of the white curd is scooped along, close the lid, and shake it like there is no tomorrow. Shake until there is an iceberg of butter on top of the liquid. Scoop it out, Enjoy.

P.S. This only works with fresh cow milk, not the processed ones you get from the shop. Why? IDK, maybe some reader knows.

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