Article 1, Section 8, Clause 8

Document 10

Levi Lincoln, Patents for Inventions

The authority given by law to grant patents is unquestionably confined to the citizens of the United States. The privilege is a monopoly in derogation of common right, and, as it is not, ought not to be extended to foreigners. Were it to be, it would be subject to endless abuses, privations, and embarrassments to our citizens. I have no doubt on the question.

The Founders' Constitution
Volume 3, Article 1, Section 8, Clause 8, Document 10
http://press-pubs.uchicago.edu/founders/documents/a1_8_8s10.html
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