Which of the following has not contributed to the development of oligopolies in the U.S. economy?

A) mergers
B) patents
C) economies of scale
D) interindustry competition

Oligopolies

Market structures characterized by a small number of firms dominating the market, where each firm has significant market power and decisions of one firm influence others.

Interindustry Competition

Competition that occurs between firms in different industries, as opposed to intra-industry competition within the same industry.

Economies of Scale

Cost advantages reaped by companies when production becomes efficient, as the scale of operation increases.