Explain how a patent creates a kind of monopoly and what benefits a patent conveys to the owner.

A recent Supreme Court outcome is discussed in Edward Wyatt, “Supreme Court Lets Regulators Sue Over Generic Drug Deals”, New York Times, June 17, 2013. (NY Times link)
After reading these articles1:
1. Explain how a patent creates a kind of monopoly and what benefits a patent conveys to the owner.
2. Explain what happens in a market when patent protection for a technology runs out.
3. Explain the effects of pay–for–delay actions on producers and consumers.
4. Discuss whether pay–for–delay tactics should no longer be allowed, or should continue. Be sure to support your conclusion using economic arguments.