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:

Information Technology

The study or utilization of systems (especially computers and telecommunications) for storing, retrieving, and sending information.

Mental World

The realm of an individual's thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and perceptions.

Physical World

The physical world refers to all of the planets, stars, galaxies, and all matter and energy that exists in the universe, as well as all the physical and natural laws that govern them.

Normal Accident

A theory suggesting that complex systems such as nuclear power plants are inherently susceptible to failures, no matter how well they are managed.