New York Law School professor Beth Noveck, quoted in an article on improving the U.S. patent system, reveals clearly the true nature of patents: "A patent is a pretty significant monopoly, so we want to make sure we are giving it to the right people."
So, according to the government, monopolies are bad except when they are granted by the government.
On a related note, listen to Lew Rockwell's interview of Stephan Kinsella.