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Unproductive entrepreneurship and patents

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  • Adam Karbowski

    (SGH Warsaw School of Economics, Collegium of World Economy)

Abstract

The aim of this article is to define and discuss the significant phenomenon of unproductive entrepreneurship in patent use. First, the fundamental (incentivising productive entrepreneurial behaviour) and non-fundamental (possibly serving rent-seeking purposes) functions of patents are distinguished. Next, the non-fundamental patenting motives are classified into (i) driven by the environment and (ii) driven by the internal organisation. Further, the behavioural foundations for unproductive entrepreneurship in patents are investigated with the use of institutional analysis and game theory methods. Based on this novel analysis, it is finally suggested that economic theory and patent law have gone apart, warranting a call for a change in the current intellectual property system.

Suggested Citation

  • Adam Karbowski, 2021. "Unproductive entrepreneurship and patents," Bank i Kredyt, Narodowy Bank Polski, vol. 52(5), pages 473-494.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbp:nbpbik:v:52:y:2021:i:5:p:473-494
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    economic theory; patent law; institutions; innovation;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • K11 - Law and Economics - - Basic Areas of Law - - - Property Law
    • O34 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Intellectual Property and Intellectual Capital
    • P14 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Capitalist Economies - - - Property Rights

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