Liberalism, technical progress and property in the work of José da Silva Lisboa, Viscount of Cairu: the patent question

Abstract

The first third of 19^th century is marked by important changes in economic thought, structure of production and market relations, with significant impacts on the inventive activity. The Ancien Régime practice of granting privileges and other royal graces to inventors is redefined, and the patents become property rights. In this context, José da Silva Lisboa is considered a pioneer Luso-Brazilian writer to discuss issues concerning the patent system, considering its effects on the economic development. In this paper, we intend to analyse Cairu’s ideas regarding this theme, focusing their main economic texts and the reports produced as a deputy of Real Junta do Comércio.