>If as you say the majority of drugs are cheap, varied and didn't need patents, I'd say it's as good sign as any that we don't need patents for drugs. I think

>If as you say the majority of drugs are cheap, varied and didn't need patents, I'd say it's as good sign as any that we don't need patents for drugs. I think you are confused. Patents only last 15-20 years, not forever. The majority of drugs were developed by companies looking to own the patents. However they are now free to the public. Without the patent system, they wouldn't exist at all.