How Can Multiple Products Use E-Ink Technology?

Miscellaneous General
1

How did the first product not patent and lock down e-ink technology?

For example, only Ford cars can have the code key buttons on the doors. Not that its not easy to implement on any car, but the government does not allow other car manufacturers to use the simple code key buttons on the outside of the door of their cars.

2

It is patented. E-ink is just screen technology - if you want to use it in your product (tablet, ebook reader etc) you must buy it from the manufacturer that patented it. Quite possibly (not so sure about that) you can also license this technology and make them yourself.