On books and ants: Intellectual and literary property in the Brazilian Empire, 1864-1881

Abstract:

Based on criminal cases judged in Rio de Janeiro Courts, between the 1860s and 1870s, this article analyzes how lawsuits in which inventors and literary authors’ heirs were key in the constitution of intellectual and literary property in Brazil. The article also highlights the role played by the patent law of August 28, 1830 in the regulation of literary property and authorship, while demonstrate how legal procedures influenced the Brazilian publishing market in 19^th century.

Keywords:
Books; Inventions; Law