Publications
Publications
  • 2014
  • Article
  • Antitrust Law Journal

Are Patents Creative or Destructive?

By: Tom Nicholas
  • Format:Print
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Abstract

Current debate over patent aggregation has led to renewed interest in the long-standing question concerning whether patents are a creative or a destructive influence on the process of technological development. In this paper I examine the basic patent tradeoff between incentives and monopoly distortions in light of recent contributions to the literature. I outline where patents can function effectively, where they can be damaging, and where additional complementary mechanisms to spur innovation may be appropriate.

Keywords

Innovation; Incentives; Patents; Technological Innovation; Motivation and Incentives

Citation

Nicholas, Tom. "Are Patents Creative or Destructive?" Antitrust Law Journal 79, no. 2 (2014): 405–421.

About The Author

Tom Nicholas

Entrepreneurial Management
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