Critical Reasoning

The proposed change to the patent system is bound to have a chilling effect on scientific research. Under current rules, researchers have one full year after the initial publication of a new discovery to patent the discovery. This allows research results to be shared widely prior to the patent application. The proposed change would have the application precede initial publication, which would delay the communication of discoveries.

The conclusion drawn above follows logically if which one of the following is assumed?

[A]The proposed change will encourage more patent applications to be filed.

Dramatic advances in scientific research have occurred while the current patent system has been in place.

[C]Delays in the communication of discoveries will have a chilling effect on scientific research.

[D]Most researchers oppose the proposed change to the patent system.

[E]The current rules for patent applications facilitate progress in scientific research by rewarding the communication of discoveries.