CR Question Bank: Patented Technology

[arushigupta712]

[deleted by author]

So do you mean to say that (B) is not the answer??

[jnelson0612]

[deleted by author]

So do you mean to say that (B) is not the answer??

B is indeed the answer.

[tim]

Yeah, upon rereading my post I think my reply was confusing on that point, so I have deleted it. Sorry for the confusion, and thanks for bringing this up.

[EmilyP167]

I am still a little thrown off by answer choice B.

The way I read the argument, the author claims that there is no direct competition for patented technology. If a product has NO direct competition, is it not fair to infer that there are no similar products? As a result of no competition, the companies can charge high prices. Answer A highlights the point that there are no similar products, which is an assumption this argument relies on. If there were similar products, companies might not be able to charge high prices and therefore would not need to allow other manufacturers to license patented technology.

I understand what answer B is getting at, but isn't the word 'obligation' a bit strong? Just because a company should do something, it does not mean they are obligated to. I would think the word 'obligation' alone would be enough to cross this answer choice off. Even if b instead said the company was not "obligated" to do this action, it wouldn't necessarily change my opinion as to whether they should.

Please help me understand where my reasoning is off. Thanks!

[tim]

First, you seem to be using A to attack the premises rather than as a necessary prelude to the conclusion. Use the negation test on A and you'll see that it fails quite readily.

As for B, no the word "obligation" is not too strong. This may just be a matter of getting used to the way the GMAT phrases their questions.