Actually the real "main reason" we have patents (in the US) is to avoid people not sharing trade secrets, which was a real problem with industry in the 1700s bu

Actually the real "main reason" we have patents (in the US) is to avoid people not sharing trade secrets, which was a real problem with industry in the 1700s but is not one now. The justification for them being a way to ensure the "inventor" is compensated came much later and Thomas Jefferson would likely be spinning in his grave if he knew how they were used now.