[akkartik]

"If you ever think you have found a single instance of monopoly lasting any significant length of time, look deeper - with absolute certainty there is a government gun backing it up."

But that caveat lets the horse out of the barn, since the gains made by monopolies can purchase lobbyists and thence the government gun. Disney Studios has been around 93 years at this point.

[culturestate]

What, precisely, does Disney have a monopoly on? Last I checked there were at least several major movie studios, TV stations, and animation houses doing very well for themselves independently of the mouse.

[akkartik]

Mickey Mouse.

Intellectual property is considered a monopoly assigned by the government.

My example aside, is it really so hard to believe that successful companies can influence regulation? Monopolies are exceptionally successful companies.