this post was submitted on 07 Oct 2024
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[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 days ago (1 children)

I understand the value of a patent system, but patents should expire.

Is there some reason why previous-generation technology, like the tech being used for MRIs in the 90s, can’t be used to manufacture more competitively-priced machines?

Like, is there a law specifying that the new technology must be used for an MRI to be usable as a diagnostic tool?

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 day ago

patents should expire

They do. It's just that they can be renewed under various circumstances, typically as an incentive to increase production.

Is there some reason why previous-generation technology, like the tech being used for MRIs in the 90s, can’t be used to manufacture more competitively-priced machines?

You need a certain amount of industrial capital geared towards making these machines and GE is the only one that really does (excepting manufacturers overseas). A big part of the problem is that we don't have a good mechanism for introducing new small businesses to the market. You really need to know someone that needs a steady number of MRI machines on a regular basis to make a new MRI factory worth it, and unless you have that business connection you have no buyers.