5 SEPTEMBER 1908, Page 15

THE NEW PATENT ACT.

[TO THY EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR.']

SIR,—The recent Act has been bailed by Tariff Reformers and the Times as a measure of Protection. It is just the opposite. A patent is a form of protection,—a very proper form within reasonable limits, but none the less protection. Before the recent Act was passed, a foreigner could practi- cally prevent the manufacture in this country of his patented article. It was clearly unreasonable that trade should be restricted by such excess of protection. The new Act goes far to remedy this, and is a distinct advance in the direction

of freedom of trade.—I am, Sir, &c., G.