2) Patents and Intellectual Property Some scholars argue that patents serve an important social function insofar as they protect intellectual property and encourage innovation. Others argue that patents serve to protect the rich and powerful at the expense of accessibility and the average consumer. With reference to at least two course readings from this semester, and with the use of at least two additional scholarly sources, write a paper discussing the strengths and weaknesses of patent law in contemporary society. Be sure to provide examples to substantiate your claims, and to address the issues of innovation, intellectual property rights and accessibility.