Hacker Newsnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submitlogin

Imagine getting funding in USA for research and sending the research and results back to China so they can patent it before. Who benefits then?


As opposed to a US spinoff company getting it and keeping all oversea profits offshore in Ireland etc. to avoid taxation?


That "loophole" was closed in 2017 by the Trump Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (GILTI/transition tax).


Everyone benefits, because information is now more freely flowing.

I don't care at all about information "theft".


If said research is developed and productized into something that works?

Then we all benefit, cancer victims most notably. Hence the public funding of basic research.


Sure....Chinese government gets the money by selling the medicine without investing in the research. That's cheating. And you really think cancer patients will get benefits without paying for an arm and leg?


Why do you think the US government funds basic research?

Are you under the impression the Chinese don't also fund basic research? Or that it's a quick hop from basic research to a marketable, approved drug?

And why is this all about who profits rather than curing cancer?




Consider applying for YC's Summer 2026 batch! Applications are open till May 4

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: