John Locke\u27s Rights of Property and Intellectual Property: Implications to Digital and High Technology in the Information Society

In my dissertation, I argue the economic-utilitarian elements of Locke\u27s perspective on property rights. The historical development of intellectual property reflects a kind of Hegelian dialectic. Therefore, the final phase of the evolution of intellectual property synthesizes both the Lockean perspective and the economic-utilitarian perspectives. According to Locke, the possession of property increase[s] the common stock of mankind. This statement by Locke clearly supports the notion that the property right that Locke has in mind includes elements of the economic-utilitarian perspective. American case law also invokes Locke\u27s perspective on property rights whenever it is necessary. Through my dissertation, I argue that the American intellectual property regime does not deny but confirms the adoption of Locke\u27s perception of property