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, process or invention for a period of 20 years from the date the product is invented. This means that other firms are not allowed to make, use, or sell the same product without the patent holder's permission. As a result, a patent acts as a government-imposed entry barrier because it limits the ability of other firms to enter the market with similar products or processes, thus reducing competition.

Why Is a Patent a Government-Imposed Entry Barrier