Most of the US tech sector doesn't spend all that much on R&D in comparison to its income and profits.
For example, Alphabet reportedly spent $18 billion USD on R&D in 2018[0] but acquired $77 billion in gross revenues and $31 billion in net profits over the same year[1].
In comparison, Volkswagen spent $14.5 billion USD on R&D in 2018[0] but acquired only $54 billion (as converted from Euros at December 2018 exchange rates) in gross revenues and $13 billion in net profits[2].
If VW can spend that much on R&D, particularly as a percentage of revenues, without being an abusive monopoly, then so can Alphabet.
For example, Alphabet reportedly spent $18 billion USD on R&D in 2018[0] but acquired $77 billion in gross revenues and $31 billion in net profits over the same year[1].
In comparison, Volkswagen spent $14.5 billion USD on R&D in 2018[0] but acquired only $54 billion (as converted from Euros at December 2018 exchange rates) in gross revenues and $13 billion in net profits[2].
If VW can spend that much on R&D, particularly as a percentage of revenues, without being an abusive monopoly, then so can Alphabet.
[0] https://spendmenot.com/blog/top-rd-spenders/ [1] https://www.marketwatch.com/investing/stock/googl/financials [2] https://www.marketwatch.com/investing/stock/vow/financials