M. Grégoire@evan That's what the patent system is supposed to provide: a (temporary [0]) monopoly to reward innovators. I think the patent system mostly works, though perhaps patents are being granted for trivial innovations in software.
There are other ways to fund innovation of course, but there are advantages to the model of researchers working at their own risk, with the possibility of lucrative rewards for success.
[0] Permanent monopolies are contrary to the public interest.
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