Patents
"Preventing manufacture of a device or process because someone else holds the patent is what really stifles innovation. The fiction that preventing manufacture of an idea by others will somehow stop people from investing in research is absurd. On the contrary, why should I make a better mousetrap if the basic design is owned by someone else who doesn't feel the need to improve on on it because he has no competition?"
Pretty strong statement.
Whoever invents or discovers any new and useful process, machine, manufacture, or composition of matter, or any new and useful improvement thereof, may obtain a patent therefor, subject to the conditions and requirements of this title.
35 U.S.C. 101 Inventions patentable.