0. Patent something, stated as generally as possible, and shut up about it. 1. Wait for several years until someone comes up with the same idea. 2. Deliberately wait for several more years until 20 more companies make billions of dollars from it. Don't say a thing until the reward is big enough. 3. Sue and claim "damages" from each company.

Given that this mode of income is made possible in the US, people can and will exploit it.