Patent pools and innovation in substitute technologies—evidence from the 19th-century sewing machine industry

A-Tier
Journal: RAND Journal of Economics
Year: 2013
Volume: 44
Issue: 4
Pages: 757-778

Authors (2)

Score contribution per author:

2.011 = (α=2.01 / 2 authors) × 2.0x A-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

type="main"> <p>Patent pools, which combine complementary patents of competing firms, are expected to increase overall welfare but potentially discourage innovation in substitutes for the pool technology. This article exploits a new historical data set on changes in patenting and firm entry for a clearly defined pool technology and substitutes in the 19th-century sewing machine industry. This analysis reveals a substantial increase in innovation for an—albeit technologically inferior—substitute technology. Historical evidence suggests that the creation of a pool-diverted innovation toward an inferior substitute technology by creating differential license fees and litigation risks.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:bla:randje:v:44:y:2013:i:4:p:757-778
Journal Field
Industrial Organization
Author Count
2
Added to Database
2026-01-26