Are Patents Evil?

Patents have a bad reputation and you'll always find someone (often me) crying out when a new, patented product comes out in the 3D printing space. But I'm struggling to blame the companies for registering patent when the system is so actively encouraging, if not requiring them to protect their IP with a mechanism that's pretty broken as far as I see it.

Product links are affiliate links - I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases (at no extra cost to you)

???? All my video gear https://toms3d.org/my-gear
I use Epidemic Sound, sign up for a 30-day free trial here http://share.epidemicsound.com/MadeWithLayers

???? Check out the Meltzone Podcast (with CNC Kitchen)! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzUgJrG-w_KQexroYkJR9XQ

???? Enjoying the videos? Support my work on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/toms3dp