Only if the entity has the power/money or otherwise to protect the patent. In most cases that favours the existing player in the marketplace. If I come up wit

Only if the entity has the power/money or otherwise to protect the patent. In most cases that favours the existing player in the marketplace. If I come up with a unique patentable idea and facebook copies it, I would not have the legal funds to fight such a big entity. The patent is useless unless I team up with another entity big enough to fight that battle. In the end I am better off in an environment with no patents because the ability to defend my patent is beyond me. If facebook patented a slightly modified version they may sue to invalid my patent and prevent my ability to use my idea. Much safer for the little guy to not have patents.