> They exist to foster innovation so that the public can reap the benefits. Fair enough, but dislosure fosters innovation. Two companies making the same bicyc

> They exist to foster innovation so that the public can reap the benefits. Fair enough, but dislosure fosters innovation. Two companies making the same bicycle stand is no more innovative than just one. > Can you invent, market and sell a new type of bicycle stand without patents? No. The concept will be copied as soon as it hits the market. If a copier can market and sell a new type of bicycle stand, why can't the inventor do the same? I note that many things, both physical and virtual, are sold without patent protection, so it's unclear why you think that patents are essential for physical things but not virtual.