Imitation, patent protection, and welfare

C-Tier
Journal: Oxford Economic Papers
Year: 2004
Volume: 56
Issue: 4
Pages: 715-733

Score contribution per author:

0.503 = (α=2.01 / 2 authors) × 0.5x C-tier

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

Abstract

Newly developed technologies run the risk of being imitated when patents are long and imitation cost is low. This paper shows that the innovator has the incentive to postpone technology adoption when imitation is a credible threat but imitation cost is not below a certain threshold. The possibility of licensing eliminates or at least reduces the incentive for delayed technology adoption. Further, this paper explains the advantages of a forward licensing contract versus a simple licensing contract in terms of profits and social welfare. Copyright 2004, Oxford University Press.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:oup:oxecpp:v:56:y:2004:i:4:p:715-733
Journal Field
General
Author Count
2
Added to Database
2026-01-26