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Patents, Antitrust, and Innovation: Evidence From the Xerox Case

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  • Robin Mamrak

Abstract

How does antitrust enforcement affect innovation when patents are the main barrier to entry? I address this question by empirically studying the US antitrust case against Xerox, the former monopolist in the market for plain‐paper copiers. In 1975, Xerox accepted a consent decree whose primary remedy was compulsory licensing of all its copier‐technology patents in the US and abroad. I show that this antitrust intervention promoted innovation by other firms in the copier industry, measured by a disproportionate increase in patenting in technology classes with a higher propensity for containing copier‐related inventions. This effect is driven by Japanese competitors, whose patenting became more novel and diverse as they started developing smaller desktop copiers.

Suggested Citation

  • Robin Mamrak, 2026. "Patents, Antitrust, and Innovation: Evidence From the Xerox Case," Journal of Industrial Economics, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 74(2), pages 278-294, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:jindec:v:74:y:2026:i:2:p:278-294
    DOI: 10.1111/joie.70023
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