Why is a patent a government-imposed entry barrier?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A patent gives a firm the exclusive right to a new product for a period of 20 years from the date the product is invented, which limits competition from other firms trying to produce and sell the same product. This exclusionary right granted by the government is therefore considered an entry barrier, as it restricts the ability of potential rivals to enter the market and compete on equal terms.

Why Is a Patent a Government-Imposed Entry Barrier