What was the primary negative consequence of the Wright brothers' strict focus on patent protection?
Answer
Stunted growth of the American aviation industry
By prioritizing the security of their control patent over immediate exhibition or cooperation with other designers, the brothers triggered a series of legal battles. This litigious environment created friction that hindered the American aviation industry's development. Consequently, while European designers continued to innovate without these specific constraints, American aviation progress slowed, leading to a situation where American pilots were eventually flying European-designed aircraft during the onset of World War I.
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