Say I patent an innovative method or device for creating Cookies. I am in the Food business itself, not device manufacturing.
Suddenly, some competitor appears claiming to use a trade secret method for creating Cookies, stealing my customers. Obviously, I can't prove they use my invention without breaking into their facility.
Now what? Does it even make sense to patent inventions that are not direct-to-market? It feels like I just shot myself in the foot by patenting my idea.