Well, at one time, cash registers, packaged food, and stores were all technological innovations. I'm asking whether 'technological or innovation advantage' can be interpreted as a sign of temporary inefficiency that will eventually get ironed out of the system (unless maintained by force, as another commenter mentions.)

I guess in a world without regulations or laws? The entire economy is predicated on patent and copyright law, as western civilization has deemed it beneficial to protect innovation and reward the innovator.