The world is improved both by new inventions and theoretical inventions. Patents were intended to be a way to ensure that knowledge would spread while still ens

The world is improved both by new inventions and theoretical inventions. Patents were intended to be a way to ensure that knowledge would spread while still ensuring that inventors get paid. Unfortunately, the chosen mechanism of monopoly for that financial incentive goes against the spirit of patents. A much better mechanism would be compulsory licensing, which would do much to foster competition and fair pricing.