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Notes:
If a product is patented its imitation is impossible during patent period. Else imitation is time and money consuming job. It costs almost 3/4 for most of the systems. It is unnecessary for the semiconductors for example. They require complex equipment and finely tuned machines. In this case Secrecy is important.
Patent is critical for only a few industries like chemical or medical industries. They are relatively easy to reverse engineer and imitate
Secrecy is mainly used in the process part. Getting ahead in any industry is a big advantage for the firms. But with the time, competitors can catch on if they make required investments.
Conversation between scientist is an extremely important issue. Publications and open technical meetings are effective sources of information for competition.
Where patents are not effective but aggressive use of a head start advantage is, advertising, open meetings and a wide variety of other ways in addition to patenting used.
It makes imitation difficult because of the organizational product and process nature. Imitators must do their own R&D in order to create their own specific ways of implementing this new knowledge.