But the patents are so general in scope that they tend to preempt any technological change. What benefit is there in inventing a better mousetrap if the very i

But the patents are so general in scope that they tend to preempt any technological change. What benefit is there in inventing a better mousetrap if the very idea of causing inconvenience to vermin has been patented, and the only people beating a path to your door are verm^H^H^H^H patent lawyers.