Quote:
Originally Posted by Phogg
You can sort of have a defacto monopoly on something as long as the patent runs. That is why they are granted, to allow the developer to capitalise on their comtribution to society.
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Right. And if eInk charged a truly ridiculous price, other companies would ask to license the invention. And if the licensing terms demanded are excessive, the would-be competitor can sue. It's true that this could drag out a long time, but just the fact that it could happen means that eInk will probably keep prices low enough so they don't get into this situation.
It's a lot different from publishing, where you sometimes see books licensed to a second publisher abroad, but not in the country of original publication.
P.S. It could be that I am blowing smoke, concerning the licensing situation, in this post. If I misunderstand, I am willing to learn, especially if the told gently and the actually legal situation is given with appropriate links.