The Patent System Is Often Considered to Be Unfairly Stacked

question 68

Multiple Choice

The patent system is often considered to be unfairly stacked against start-ups because:

• A) bigger multinational firms enjoy patent protection in all countries as opposed to start-ups, which are domestic firms that do not get such protection for the most part.
• B) the intellectual property laws are not adequate to protect the interests of smaller firms from infringements.
• C) the patent system grants patents for innovations on a differential basis, with bigger firms getting precedence over start-ups.
• D) high litigation costs coupled with a few months of litigation can sink an early stage firm.
• E) patents are granted by the patent system on an ad hoc basis wherein firms that have been in business longer get patent protection for longer periods of time.

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Definitions:

Instrumental Value

The utility or usefulness of something in achieving a goal or fulfilling a purpose.

Utilitarian View

A perspective in ethics that holds that the best action is the one that maximizes utility, often defined as that which produces the greatest well-being of the greatest number of people.

Ethical Understanding

involves comprehending moral principles and values, enabling individuals to make decisions that consider the welfare of others and the broader society.

Reasoning Abilities

The cognitive capacity to process information, draw conclusions, and make logical decisions.