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>What benefits would that be? Just curious...

Here's a minute example, but it can be multiplied millions of times:
If I pirate or illegally clone IOS, Apple can file a complaint with the taxpayer-funded FBI and prosecute me, claiming its right under the patent laws (US taxpayer-funded Patent Office)
In fact, it's probably safe to say that without the protections it has claimed from the US Patent Office, Apple would not exist at all.
Ditto with Microsoft, GE and just about all of big Pharma.
Is that OK?
Well, Ben Franklin refused to patent his many inventions (the battery, for one. He even coined the word "battery" as it applied to that device) claiming that he benefitted from the research of those who went before him; but not everyone thinks that way, and that's OK.
But should you and I be funding the US Patent office Apple, et al, are not?
Some of these corporations pay little or no US income tax.