[EchoChamberMan]

It's hilarious the first example is also, in the first paragraph, a monopoly. I don't have a problem with theoretical capitalism, but people would much rather use their resources to squash a competitor, or in this case, legally prevent, competition on talent.

[Edit]

People love to espouse the free market, but I'm not sure it ever existed.

[geonineties]

I would say that the monopoly granted to EIC was more like the monopoly granted to patent holders. The risks to life and capital of the venture were extreme.