Translator: Cinder Translations
...
At the initial implementation of the patent law in Alden Town, there were very few responses from the public. Most people were skeptical and, after the initial novelty wore off, generally thought that the lord had enacted this law to protect his own inventions. This was quite normal. Since ancient times, those with skills rarely shared their secrets with others. It was only natural to assume that Earl Grayman, being a lord, would not be an exception. Seeing others profit from his inventions without giving him a share would be unpleasant for anyone.
But Paul Grayman was the lord, and of course, he could demand that others follow his edict. As for himself? Would a lord be bound by his own laws? That was laughable.
Therefore, in the early stages, most of the applications for patents came from those seeking fame and fortune, presenting unclear inventions to gain recognition. Paul had to instruct the administration to strictly vet these applications and prevent any fraudulent claims.
"I think we should give it a try. The lord must be serious about this," said a student named Jim with bright eyes as he sat around a table with others in a classroom at Wes Academy.
Nick, sitting opposite him, hesitated. "I believe the lord's decree is genuine, but... but..."
The students had just returned from the geographic survey work in Emden and learned about the patent law upon their return to Alden Town. It wasn't long before someone proposed applying for a patent for the [Lens Rangefinder] they invented during their survey. They discovered that, according to the published patent system, inventions made by a team could be applied for as a team patent.
"But... what? Nick, what are you still hesitating about?" Jim demanded loudly. He was the first to suggest applying for a patent for the rangefinder. Ever since learning about the patent law, Jim felt as if his seat had become like needles; he could hardly sit still. He was constantly worried that someone would get ahead of them in applying for the patent—after all, Wes Academy had sent many survey teams to various places under the administration's jurisdiction. If another team had a flash of inspiration during their survey... Oh, the precious silver coins might go to someone else.
TL Note: I can understand Jim's sentiment...
In Emden, senior officers led by Bryce had shown strong interest in their lens rangefinder, stating that it would be very useful for artillery and scouts. If they could secure the patent, wouldn't they be able to make money effortlessly? Is there a more stable customer than the Alden army?
Jim even maliciously wondered if the patent might be preemptively claimed by the military. After all, the artillerymen and officers had also used the lens rangefinder, and the patent law did not impose restrictions on the applicant's identity.
So he was very dissatisfied with Nick's hesitation, even though Nick had played a major role in the invention and improvement of the rangefinder.
Nick looked up, his tone hesitant. "But without that mysterious letter, we wouldn't have thought of using lenses to improve the rangefinder. I think it's inappropriate to apply for the patent without finding out who wrote the letter."
The initial version of the rangefinder, designed for artillery, had shown significant inconvenience and poor measurement precision in practice. While they were brainstorming improvements, they received an anonymous letter detailing the idea of using telescopes to enhance the rangefinder. After several experiments, they finally achieved some results, and the artillerymen no longer had to drag long ropes and require multiple people for distance measurements. However, they could not figure out who wrote the letter. The writer had a deep understanding of geometry, which could have been someone from Wes Academy, or possibly someone from the military or the administration—most likely the latter, otherwise, they wouldn't know about the challenges they faced.
"Why are you worried about that..."
The students were divided into two factions, debating whether to apply for the patent immediately.
"Classmates, what are you discussing?" A melodious female voice came from outside, and a graceful figure entered the classroom. It was none other than Miss Betty—the head of the Education Bureau at the administration and their dean.
"Good day, Miss Betty," the students greeted her. After Eileen took over Wes Academy, she had been diligent in improving teaching quality and daily management. She recruited teachers, divided classes, refined the curriculum, and enforced strict examination standards. Wes Academy was no longer the makeshift institution it once was under Paul's initial establishment; it could now be considered a proper school in every sense.
Although this beautiful lady was very young, even younger than some of the students at the academy, she was respected by everyone. Moreover, her scholarly background and expertise, particularly in linguistics, commanded admiration. Everyone knew that the recently popular telegraph communication system was designed and managed by Miss Betty.
"Miss Betty, it's like this..."
Nick stood up and represented the students in expressing their concerns to Eileen.
"Oh? May I see that letter?" Eileen asked with interest.
Nick took out the letter and handed it to her. After just reading a few lines, Eileen almost laughed. She was very familiar with the style of the writing and the deliberately concealed handwriting.
Why didn't the writer sign their name? Eileen found this puzzling as well.
After reading through the letter calmly, Eileen told the students, "I suggest you boldly apply for the patent. I recognize the handwriting on this letter. It's from a friend of mine, and I'm sure he would be very pleased to see you get the patent."
"But..." Even though the dean had said so, some students, including Nick, still had doubts. "Can't you introduce us to him? We would like to discuss the matter with him. He should have a share of the patent as well."
"No need." Eileen waved her hand. "My friend's identity is not convenient to disclose, so he won't be involved."
The students speculated that perhaps he was someone involved in secret work.
"Thank you, Dean," Jim said with a happy smile. He nudged Nick with his elbow. "The lady has already confirmed it. What are you still hesitating about?"
"Well... alright, we'll write the application now."
Nick finally agreed. In fact, he was also eager to apply for the patent but had been stuck on the previous issue.
The classroom buzzed with excitement.
"We can set up a workshop to mass-produce the rangefinders for the military and civilians. The market potential is certainly vast."
"But, setting up a workshop will require a lot of money and hiring people..."
"Then... let's start with a small workshop first. After making the initial profit, we can establish a larger factory."
"The rangefinder requires a telescope, and its patent is held by the lord. We mustn't forget that."
"We can just pay the usage fee..."
"Haha, although it's simple in structure, with the protection of the lord's law, we don't have to worry about others copying it."
The students discussed enthusiastically, envisioning a bright future.
Eileen watched the excited crowd with a sense of satisfaction. Using the law to protect and promote technological progress—this was something Paul often said, and now it was finally beginning to show results.
(End of the Chapter)
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