Chapter 35: Your Majesty, This Is Paper!

"Patent?" Feng Jie was somewhat bewildered. Hearing these terms again, he still found them difficult to grasp.

Wang Jian immediately explained, "A patent is a form of recognition, and also a form of binding agreement. For instance, the *Book of Wei Liao* written by Grand Marshal Wei Liao—that is essentially a patent. It belongs to Wei Liao, and if anyone wishes to copy the book, they must obtain his consent. Similarly, if someone uses a copied version of the *Book of Wei Liao* for profit or sale, they must also have his permission. If Wei Liao refuses, and the Censorate discovers someone is reaping massive profits from his work, they will be subject to seizure of assets and fines. Of course, I am merely using this as an analogy; the *Book of Wei Liao* is a national policy and not suited for patenting."

Emperor Qin Shi Huang listened to Wang Jian’s clumsy analogy, stunned for a long while before suddenly realizing, "So, the Marquis of Wucheng means, for example, if someone invents a new type of iron sword, and this person applies for a patent, then others who wish to manufacture this sword must obtain their approval? Otherwise, if they rashly imitate or copy it, they will face suppression by the imperial court?"

"Exactly, exactly!" Wang Jian nodded immediately. "Your Majesty is truly wise and brilliant; you understood my meaning at once."

"This is called authorization!"

"Yes, only after authorization can others mass-produce and use it. As for how to authorize it, that depends on how the profits are distributed and how the terms are negotiated. In this way, the creator will feel a sense of honor, and they will have the financial resources to support more innovations beneficial to society! If this can be implemented, every trade and industry in our Great Qin will be elevated to a new level!"

The eyes of Qin Shi Huang gradually brightened. This was a genius idea!

"Wait, what if the creator of something recorded in the historical texts of the six states is already dead?" Qin Shi Huang considered the long-term implications.

Wang Jian smiled and said, "Then it belongs to our Great Qin! If anyone wishes to use it, they must obtain the court's approval; it cannot be spread or sold privately! This way, we can effectively manage and distribute these resources. Of course, some things are suitable for patents while others are not, so we will need specialized personnel to review, organize, and categorize them!"

Qin Shi Huang nodded; he grasped the general concept. Wang Jian then looked at Feng Jie and urged, "Go on, tell him!"

With a bitter face, Feng Jie reported most reluctantly, "Your Majesty, the Marquis of Wucheng wishes to apply for a patent!"

Qin Shi Huang’s expression turned to shock once again. *What? He wants to apply for a patent already?* Suddenly, a sharp glint flashed in his eyes, and he immediately asked, "What patent does the Marquis of Wucheng wish to apply for?"

Wang Jian laughed and produced a sheet of paper from his robe, upon which two different styles of the character "Xi" (Joy) were written. Qin Shi Huang and Feng Jie stared at the characters, confusion washing over them. Wang Jian, no longer able to hide his excitement, pointed at the paper and said, "Your Majesty, look here, look here!"

"Don't look at the characters!"

"Your Majesty, this is paper! I want to apply for a patent for this paper. From now on, all paper production must be authorized and approved by me! Otherwise, if anyone is found imitating or privately producing and selling it, they will be severely punished!"

Qin Shi Huang and Feng Jie exchanged glances, at a loss. *What is the use of this "paper"? Why apply for a patent for it? Does anyone even imitate such a thing?*

Seeing that the Emperor had yet to grasp the brilliance of the paper, Wang Jian did not offer a hint. Instead, he urged, "Your Majesty, you can use the paper in my hand to conduct an experiment. Once this patent system is implemented, it will surely be a great boon to the commerce and agriculture of our Great Qin! If you don't believe me, let us test it!"

Qin Shi Huang and Feng Jie looked at each other, still uncertain. Wang Jian added, "Your Majesty, are you worried that if someone applies for a patent in a certain industry, it will lead to a monopoly?" Wang Jian hadn't intended to bring this up, but Fusu had warned him that monopolies were detrimental. A hundred schools of thought contending and a hundred flowers blooming was what Great Qin truly needed.

Prompted by this, Qin Shi Huang, though eager to agree, nodded with his usual composure. "Indeed, what if such an impact occurs?"

Feng Jie wiped sweat from his brow. *Why didn't I think of that? This old man Wang Jian didn't warn me beforehand. He nearly sold me out by bringing this up now.*

Wang Jian chuckled. "Your Majesty, you need not worry. The patent I am applying for covers only the paper I have presented. If I discover new methods of paper manufacturing later, I will report them immediately, perhaps even providing samples! If others create better paper, they too can apply for patent protection! But if others forge or copy it to produce paper identical to ours without our authorization, then they must be punished and corrected!"

Qin Shi Huang understood instantly. He could not help but marvel at Wang Jian’s cleverness; he had thought of everything so thoroughly. He was truly worthy of being a man who could lead armies into battle—his mind was sharp.

"Very well, let it be as you say. I shall grant you this patent!" As the Emperor spoke, he picked up a writing brush, though he found himself momentarily unsure of how to proceed.

Seeing this, Wang Jian hurriedly pulled another sheet of paper from his robe. "Your Majesty, please use this as a reference."

Zhao Gao stepped forward and placed the paper on the desk. Qin Shi Huang stared at the contents, stunned. After a long silence, he asked with a solemn expression, "Marquis of Wucheng, are you certain it should be written this way?"

The Marquis immediately nodded. "Indeed! I am old; authorization is of no use to me. The future belongs to the children!"

Qin Shi Huang suppressed the tidal wave of shock in his heart and took a deep breath. *Very well, very well!* After all, he had felt somewhat guilty toward this old comrade lately; he would consider this his compensation.

Thus, Qin Shi Huang began to write: "Whereas the great talent Fusu has created this paper and applied for patent protection, I hereby designate Huayang and Wang Ruonan as the primary authorizees. From this day forward, regardless of whether the paper is iterated or updated, this authorization shall remain valid and shall not be altered!"

...

After finishing, the Emperor stamped his seal. He then looked at Feng Jie and ordered, "Effective immediately, organize a patent protection department. Following the Marquis of Wucheng's instructions, collect the historical texts and treatises of the six states, select useful technologies, policies, and inventions, and examine them one by one. Patents may be granted accordingly!"

Upon hearing this, Feng Jie bowed low and replied, "By your command!"

Seeing the patent application for the paper succeed, Wang Jian left behind a sample and hurried out of the palace to organize the construction of the factory. As Fusu had put it, he was about to start a company. Thinking of Fusu’s arrangements, Wang Jian felt a surge of energy, as if he had suddenly shed a dozen years of age. He felt the same grand ambition he had possessed when he led six hundred thousand troops to trample the capital of the State of Chu!