[JamesByrne]

I think that the patent helps first spread it's idea actually. Other people can start robotics competitions, such as IFI. But what if these do not promote the same values as FIRST. As a FIRST alum i know that one of the main things that makes first such a great competition is the values it instills in the students. I think that the patents and trademarks just make sure that there values can continue.

If someone wanted to start a competition and woddy and dean were sure that someone else could start a competition that would instill the same values I think that it would be just fine with them to let them use the same type of system.

I do not think that FIRST is trying to keep competitors out of the market they are a non profit organization. But I do think that FIRST is making sure that there values continue for a long time into the future.

Just my ideas