nep-ipr New Economics Papers
on Intellectual Property Rights
Issue of 2019‒09‒09
four papers chosen by
Giovanni Ramello
Università degli Studi del Piemonte Orientale “Amedeo Avogadro”

  1. Decentralising the Patent System By Gaetan de Rassenfosse; Kyle Higham
  2. Multi-Brand Loyalty in Consumer Markets: A Qualitatively-Driven Mixed Methods Approach By Arifine, Ghizlane; Felix, Reto; Furrer, Olivier
  3. Policy choices in an era of intangibles- where to start? By Rohinton P. Medhora
  4. Mapping Firms' Locations in Technological Space: A Topological Analysis of Patent Statistics By Emerson G. Escolar; Yasuaki Hiraoka; Mitsuru Igami; Yasin Ozcan

  1. By: Gaetan de Rassenfosse (Ecole polytechnique federale de Lausanne); Kyle Higham (Ecole polytechnique federale de Lausanne)
    Abstract: This paper proposes a substantive re-think of the modern patent system. The patent system has come under intensive criticism in the past, and many scholars have proposed ways to improve it. Ideas for improvement include, e.g., prior-art bounties, contracting out examination and dynamic fee setting. However, many of these ideas have gone unheeded due to the cost of administering them and the rigidity of the patent system. We explore how distributed ledger technologies enable these major changes.
    Keywords: blockchain, distributed ledger, intellectual property, patent, smart contract
    JEL: K11 K23 L24 O34 O38
    Date: 2019–09
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:iip:wpaper:6&r=all
  2. By: Arifine, Ghizlane; Felix, Reto; Furrer, Olivier
    Abstract: Purpose—Although multi-brand loyalty (MBL) in consumer markets has been identified in previous brand loyalty research, empirical studies have not yet explored the facets of its different types. This article seeks a deeper understanding of MBL by investigating its different types and facets. Design/methodology/approach—This study uses a sequential, qualitatively-driven mixed method design consisting of in-depth interviews and supplementary survey research. Findings—The findings of this study suggest that mood congruence, identity enhancement, unavailability risk reduction and market competition are the most important facets that explains the two types of MBL (complementary-based and product substitutes). Furthermore, the findings show that the family factor can motivate consumers to be multi-brand loyal by adding brands to an initially family-endorsed brand. Research limitations/implications—This study advances the conceptual foundations of MBL and extends previous research on brand loyalty. Some of the findings may be limited to the economic and cultural context of relatively affluent countries with an abundance of market offers. Practical implications—Marketing managers gain insights into how to manage brand loyalty as well as how to transition from MBL to single-brand loyalty. Originality/value—The study generates novel insights into the facets of different types of MBL
    Keywords: Multi-brand loyalty; relationship marketing; decision-making heuristics; mixed method design; grounded theory; thematic analysis
    JEL: M31
    Date: 2019–01–29
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:fri:fribow:fribow00501&r=all
  3. By: Rohinton P. Medhora (Centre for International Governance Innovation)
    Abstract: Based on the author’s keynote talk at the ERF’s 25th anniversary conference in Kuwait City (March 10-12, 2019), this paper outlines the research and policy dimensions of the fast-rising intangibles economy. The key features of such economic structures are – the centrality of (mostly proprietary) intellectual property; high upfront costs for firms but near-zero marginal costs of production if successful; first-mover advantage especially if backed up by standard-setting; and handsome rewards for strategic behavior. There is no single route to success in such a world; in fact many successful countries have had ex ante daunting challenges not unknown among ERF countries. The ethos that drives the ERF has never been more essential than it is today.
    Date: 2019–08–21
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:erg:wpaper:1308&r=all
  4. By: Emerson G. Escolar; Yasuaki Hiraoka; Mitsuru Igami; Yasin Ozcan
    Abstract: Where do firms innovate? Mapping their locations in technological space is difficult, because it is high dimensional and unstructured. We address this issue by using a method in computational topology called the Mapper algorithm, which combines local clustering with global reconstruction. We apply this method to a panel of 333 major firms' patent portfolios in 1976--2005 across 430 technological areas. Results suggest the Mapper graph captures salient patterns in firms' patenting histories, and our measures of their uniqueness (the type and length of "flares") are correlated with firms' financial performances in a statistically and economically significant manner.
    Date: 2019–08
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:arx:papers:1909.00257&r=all

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