Another type of corporate welfare rarely discussed is the copyright and patient protection. That is how Apple can sell a product that costs $100 to produce for four times that much. We (US Taxpayers)fund hundreds of millions to run CBP Trade Operations. These Trade groups work tirelessly interdicting anything that resembles an Iphone, or Microsoft logo, or any other copyrighted name or product that does not have “Permission” to use the name or likeness, or technology.
The imitation Windows 7 disk can be made and sold at a profit for less than a tenth of the Microsoft price, but most of the “illegal” copyright infringing copies are seized at the border. Without CBP protecting the overpriced prices of corporate giants, the consumer could have the same product for 10 cents on the dollar. Microsoft leaves billions in profits offshore to avoid taxes, and the US taxpayer protect their overpriced sales strategy with legions of public servants.
Sure overtime, the producer would stop producing leading technology or be forced to develop a better sales strategy. But for now, the taxpayer foots the bill.