Patents and the Diffusion of Technical Information

Posted: 18 Jan 2005

See all articles by James E. Bessen

James E. Bessen

Technology & Policy Research Initiative, BU School of Law

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Abstract

Does the disclosure requirement of the patent system encourage the diffusion of inventions? This paper builds a simple model where firms choose between patents and trade secrecy to protect inventions. Diffusion is not necessarily more likely with a patent system nor is the "market for technology" necessarily greater.

Keywords: Patents, innovation, diffusion, trade secrecy

JEL Classification: K3, L5, O3

Suggested Citation

Bessen, James E., Patents and the Diffusion of Technical Information. Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=650101

James E. Bessen (Contact Author)

Technology & Policy Research Initiative, BU School of Law ( email )

765 Commonwealth Avenue
Boston, MA 02215
United States

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