Why was Eli Whitney unable to make much money on his cotton gin?

Eli Whitney was unable to make much money from his cotton gin because, despite its significant impact on cotton production, he could not secure a patent that effectively protected his invention. Many planters and manufacturers quickly copied his design, leading to widespread use without compensation to Whitney. Additionally, legal battles over patent rights consumed time and resources, further limiting his financial success. As a result, while the cotton gin revolutionized the industry, Whitney struggled to profit from it.