But it is an unwarranted assumption that patents inherently inhibit the promiscuity of ideas.
Through theory and example people have also shown that virtually unregulated capitalism produces the "most prosperous" results. They have done this for Marxism as well.
Properly applied patents and intellectual property protection can aid the rate of innovation and progress.
Now, has it ever been properly applied in this world? Can it ever be applied correctly in this world? How hard is it to apply it properly in this world if it can be applied?
Well, what does it mean "be applied correctly" to you? Proper application may not be particularly palatable. There is no free lunch.
I would argue that the drug development has generally had properly applied patents. Drug prices suck. That poor countries cannot get adequate medical drugs sucks. However that is an entirely different kind of pain than the drugs not existing yet.
It is likely not that hard to apply properly. I think we just don't like how it feels. It reminds me of free speech. We gain so much good from it -- but we also have the Hannity, Beck, Jenny McCarthy types too.
Through theory and example people have also shown that virtually unregulated capitalism produces the "most prosperous" results. They have done this for Marxism as well.
Properly applied patents and intellectual property protection can aid the rate of innovation and progress.