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If you were to come up with a way to run an engine on water or made anti-gravity technology or heaven forbid found a way to tap into the limitless power of the world's collective stupidity, what would be next for you?

You'd hope there'd be a way to get this revolutionary invention out to the public, maybe make a few bucks while you're at it.

But the reality is, at least for Americans, your idea might be dead on arrival.

Sabotaged on the launch pad before the rocket of its idea can even be lit.

You'd be left with nothing to show for it, if you're lucky.

And you'd have no one to blame but the government, and the intimidating G-Men who swooped in to snatch your idea and design in the interest of national security.

Now you might think, hey, and that what patents are for? To which I would respond, no, because who issues the patents?

Think of it this way. America is doomed. Inventions are the spice melange, and the spice must flow to the government.

But it wasn't always so nefarious. Or maybe it was, but it was officially made unnefarious by the state in 1951 with the Invention Secrecy Act.

And ever since, a hazy fog of conspiracy has enveloped the U.S. patent and trademark office, and urban legends have flourished, detailing supposed suppressed science and theoretically trampled tech.

But how many of those legends hold weight, and just how deep into conspiracy does this congressional act weighed?

I had to get some help on this one. And who better to talk governmental connivance than one of the hosts and creators of stuff they don't want you to know? Been bowling.

We get about as weird and wise as the government will allow in this episode of Blurry Photos.

Hey everyone, welcome to Blurry Photos. I'm your host, David Flora. Welcome. Glad you're here. Hi.

I don't often like to tut my own drum, but I'm very proud and excited to share this episode with you.

Ben was one of the first voices I heard in paranormal podcasting, and his informational storytelling was one of the main inspirations that led me to start Blurry Photos nine years ago.

He was a little surreal to meet him in LA when he was on a panel I moderated at AlienCon, and more so to have him on my show.

He's a podcaster that is intelligent, has a great sense of humor, and is someone I highly respect. So it was just tremendous to have him join me to discuss such a wonderfully interesting topic.

The invention secrecy act has been the impetus for countless conspiracies, not unlike the classic ones I mentioned up top.

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