Government seizing drug patents to lower prices and increase efficiency.
The article discusses how the pharmaceutical industry's monopoly power can lead to inefficiencies. By estimating the loss of consumer benefits due to this power, it suggests a significant welfare loss compared to just looking at profits. The proposed solution involves the government using eminent domain to take and distribute pharmaceutical patents, compensating the owners with the patents' expected future profits. This approach could improve efficiency and reduce welfare losses caused by monopoly power in the industry.