Great, so it's your contention that some choose to lock up technology for the duration of the patent to keep others from using it, is that correct? Or is there something else they do with their IP?WRONG WRONG WRONG WRONG.
Licensing is ONLY ONE of many reasons. The primary reason is to protect developments and maintain "right to use" (Freedom to Operate).
Do they license ALL their IP? You sure about that? Because I believe that is NOT the case. But neither of us will know for sure because neither of us work for Shell.
But I do know what Shell AND Exxon have done with their IP. They license their IP to monetize their IP. Like EVERYONE else does.