Isn't Bluetooth invented by Ericsson, a private company? Why is it free? Couldn't they patent it so that only they can produce bluetooth device? How doe bluetooth make money?

Contributor at Blockcrunch. Writing Ceteris Paribus - musings at the intersection of crypto, econ, and policy.

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By keeping the cost to use Bluetooth low, Ericsson's made sure it's everywhere. They still pocket some $ through licensing and royalties when companies build Bluetooth into their products though. Figures for Bluetooth aren't published, but Ericsson made $590 million from all their IP in 2022.