[karlkloss]

Did you notice that LFP batteries became more prevalent and much cheaper recently? That's because some key patents expired.

The same thing happened with 3D printing a while ago. It only took off after the patents expired.

Patents are a pest. They're just another mechanism to pump money from below to above.

[mschuster91]

> Patents are a pest. They're just another mechanism to pump money from below to above.

Patents are a way to make sure inventors are getting compensated for their R&D work and risk.

I do agree with your observation though - IMHO, the "exclusivity" period of a patent should last five years, and for the 15 years after that, patent holders should be mandated to license out their patent at reasonable pricing.

[ktallett]

Should the way they get compensated not be by creating a useful output with said development?

[williamcotton]

And everyone has access to the capital to do so? Or the business acumen?