A seminal patent-protection law was passed in 1624. It stated that
all monopolies to any person or persons, bodies politic or
corporate for the sole buying, selling, making, working, or using
of anything within the realm are void. This does not include
London or towns. Parties aggrieved by such may recover treble
damages in the superior courts, with double costs. Excepted are
existing patents, for 21 years or less, for new inventions and for
future patents for 14 years or less. Excepted also are patents for
printing or making saltpeter, gunpowder, shot or ordinance, etc.;
patents concerning allum mines or Newcastle coal or glass making
or export of calves' skins or making smalts [deep-blue pigment or
glass] or melting iron ore; grants of office; and licenses for
taverns.
Because benefit of clergy is not allowed to women convicted of
felony by reason whereof many women suffer death for small causes,
any woman convicted for the felonious taking of any money, goods
or chattels greater than 12d. and less than 10s. other than
burglary or robbery on the highway or from the person of any man
or woman without their knowledge, shall be branded and marked in
the hand upon the brawne of the left thumb with a "T" and
imprisonment, whipping, stocking, or sending to the house of
correction for a year or less.
No one may take more than 8% interest on loans because 10% has
caused many, including gentry, merchant, farmer, and tradesman, to
sell their land and forsake their trade to pay their debts.
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