I've been wondering over the past few years how exactly club manufacturers operate, and whether they own patents for their technology. Take the adjustable hozel for example. Who exactly owns that technology, and why would they share it with their competitors. Or is it someone else's patent that all these manufacturers pay royalties to?

Think about some of the current technologies that are out there these days.

Adjustable hozels - every driver has that these days
The "slider" weight technology - both TM and Callaway have it this year, surely more to come
The original movable weight technology - Lots of companies use it

etc, etc, etc

Makes me wonder if these companies paying royalties to some 3rd party, or are they all in bed together?