That is not my understanding. The current use of the word "patent" has become rather ironic compared to its historical meaning. "Patent" just means "open", in

That is not my understanding. The current use of the word "patent" has become rather ironic compared to its historical meaning. "Patent" just means "open", in this case openly declared, not secret. Ideally "patenting" an invention provides an alternative to an inventor hoarding a trade secret that dies with him or his company. The quid pro quo for the public good of making a technology open knowledge is a temporary government granted monopoly. The ideal and reality seem to have parted company a long time ago...