In 500 B.C., in the Greek colony of Sybaris, the Sybarites, who enjoyed living in luxury, made a law that if any maker of sweets, cakes, or other food should invent any peculiar and excellent dish, no other artist was allowed to make this dish for one year.  He or she who invented it was entitled to all the profit to be derived from the manufacture of it for that time.  This was done in order that others might be encouraged to labor at such pursuits. Why do I bring up the Sybarites?  Only to say that, though today’s system is far from perfect, the concept of patent protection has stood the test of time as a way to encourage our innovators.