Chapter 1360: Everyone 'Carpools'
Nobody in the banquet hall noticed the flicker of amusement in the French Crown Prince's wine-laden eyes.
What Joseph cared about most wasn't the tens of millions in patent licensing fees, but the long-term benefits spanning decades, even centuries.
Allowing mutual licensing among the nations within the common market would first strengthen all governments' acceptance of the patent system.
Everyone would be paying real money to acquire patents, and they'd rely on sub-licensing to other countries to recoup their costs. Anyone who dared to disregard the patents and imitate them without authorization would harm the interests of all nations within the common market.
At that point, France wouldn't even need to intervene; the other nations would collectively chastise the rule-breakers.
And what if someone secretly sold a patent to "outsiders" like Britain or America?
Once discovered, France would legally revoke that nation's patent license, and all sub-licenses granted to "downstream" countries would be invalidated. The leaker would instantly be crushed by the enraged "downstream" nations.
Furthermore, since each country would only purchase a few distinct patents, if similar technology appeared externally, it would be obvious who leaked it without any investigation.
Secondly, cross-licensing would greatly strengthen the binding interests between nations, thereby enhancing the cohesion of the common market.
Finally, France ostensibly made significant concessions this time, and by being at the top of the patent licensing chain, its leadership within the common market would be unprecedentedly solidified.
Moving forward, promoting the franc as the standard currency within the common market, or controlling the right to define industrial standards, would proceed much more smoothly.
Thus, while "sub-licensing" seemingly meant France earned tens of millions less in patent fees, the benefits gained were vastly greater.
In reality, Joseph was the one most concerned that countries might delay railway construction because they couldn't afford the patent fees.
For France to sell its industrial goods across Europe, it needed a dense railway network.
And in the event of war, railways would serve as both invasion routes for armies and crucial logistical supply lines.
It could be said that simply by building railways according to French standards, a nation would be firmly aligning itself with France.
At the banquet, high-ranking officials from various countries, clutching their licensing documents, excitedly gathered around Joseph, showering him with thanks and praise. This continued until nine in the evening, when they escorted him to the ballroom.
In the corridor, everyone had already begun eagerly whispering amongst themselves.
"Our country has recently opened two new iron mines, so we intend to purchase the rail steel smelting technology."
It was the Interior Minister of Hesse who spoke.
Someone turned to the Prince of Nassau and said, "Your Highness, your country has many water wheels; acquiring the rail forging technology would be quite advantageous."
The latter immediately shook his head. "The rail forging technology costs 2.3 million francs. Our national strength is limited; it would be more suitable for us to purchase smaller patents..."
Seeing all eyes turn to him, the Assistant Trade Minister of Bavaria quickly feigned intoxication.
Another man, rubbing his hands together, asked, "In that case, who would be most suitable to purchase the patent for the train steam engine?"
This was the most expensive category of patents, and everyone fell silent.
Officials from smaller nations like Oldenburg, meanwhile, desperately shrank back, afraid of being noticed.
The Assistant Foreign Minister of Baden couldn't help but sigh at the sight, thinking, 'It's exactly as His Royal Highness the French Crown Prince predicted.'
He immediately stepped forward a few paces and, as instructed by the Crown Prince, declared:
"In reality, it doesn't particularly matter which specific patent each country purchases, because all nations can obtain sub-licenses.
"Therefore, I suggest that we apportion the patent purchasing obligations according to each nation's financial situation..."
The Milanese immediately voiced their displeasure. "That's unreasonable. Why should those with stronger finances have to pay more?"
Baron Binder secretly shook his head and continued to relay Joseph's words: "In fact, nations that purchase more expensive or a greater number of patents will gain additional diplomatic and international status benefits when licensing them to other countries."
Hearing this, officials from several large nations instantly understood. Indeed, while they would all engage in mutual sub-licensing, if 'I' paid more, other nations would undoubtedly be grateful for 'my' contribution.
In diplomatic settings, sometimes a simple "thank you" could play a significant role.
Moreover, when spread out, the nation paying the most would only contribute a few hundred thousand francs more than the one paying the least. For a major power, that amount of money was absolutely worth it to secure a measure of national prestige.
Baron Binder then looked at the Royal Secretary of Oldenburg, who was hiding with his head bowed at the very back, and said solemnly, "As for nations that don't purchase any patents, they will likely be unable to engage in patent exchange licensing with other countries in the future."
The latter immediately seemed to awaken from a dream and hurriedly stepped closer again.
By the time the ball ended, the nations had very efficiently and roughly discussed the proportions for each country's patent purchases.
Count Erlach, Vice Chairman of the Bern Parliament, listening from afar as officials from those nations excitedly discussed railway patents, was practically drooling with envy.
If Switzerland were also a member of the common market, it would only need to spend hundreds of thousands, or even just tens of thousands of francs, to acquire a complete set of railway technology.
At that point, a sleeper factory could be built in Schwyz Canton and a bolt factory in Geneva Canton. These cantons would certainly no longer oppose the construction of the Bern-Zurich railway.
That way, they wouldn't withdraw that payment, and railway construction could begin very soon.
And the bank runs and riots within Switzerland would disappear with it, allowing his political career to continue...
However, a poor and small nation like Switzerland was unwanted by both the North Italian and German common markets.
He subconsciously sighed, "If only we could join the common market, we wouldn't have to worry about railways..."
Dorian took a sip of wine, held his arm, and chuckled, "If only you were a French official, the government would directly issue railway plans. Then I'd be able to see you every day too."
Count Erlach gave a wry smile. "Ah... how is that possible?"
Just then, a tall, handsome man walked past, holding a wine glass, then turned back, looking Dorian up and down. "If I'm not mistaken, you are Miss Grondin, aren't you?"
The latter nodded, a little surprised. "I am Madame Roberge now. And you are?"
"Ah, it is you, Dorian." The handsome man pointed to his own nose. "Nestor Nobert. Do you still remember me?"
"Oh, Mr. Nobert! Of course, I remember you." Dorian introduced him to Count Erlach. "Darling, Mr. Nobert used to live across from my house. My father often chatted with Viscount Nobert."
In reality, she wasn't well acquainted with the Nobert family; she merely wanted to show her lover that her family had connections with nobility.
Nobert politely bowed to Count Erlach, his hand to his chest. "A pleasure to meet you, Mr. Roberge."
The latter awkwardly waved his hand. "Ah, I am not named Roberge. You can call me Erlach. Klaus von Erlach."
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