During desperate times such as these, it’s easy to overlook the unsung heroes of innovation. Strong intellectual property protections have catapulted the United States into the top slot for innovation worldwide, with entrepreneurs resting easy knowing that their lifesaving inventions are safe from copycats.

Some commentators and politicians have recently argued that IP is more of a hindrance than a help to the coronavirus response. They contend that government spending, not property rights, is key to postpandemic prosperity. Policymakers must double down on patent protection instead of leaving inept, inefficient bureaucrats in charge of innovation. Lawmakers should focus on eliminating roadblocks standing in the way of private innovation, not short-circuiting proven patent protections.