[rhizome]

If Makerbot starts using such patents offensively, then anger is warranted. Not before.

The problem with that is that you don't know whether they'll use the patent offensively or defensively until after it's granted.

[general_failure]

Right, one cannot start a competing company assuming that Makerbot won't sue.

[bernardom]

Great points. But isn't this the dictionary definition of "don't hate the player, hate the game?"

They need to arm themselves to survive an attack... which makes it so everyone else has to arm themselves in case they attack... arms race!