150 Years of Patent Protection

摘要

This analysis examined the determinants of the strength of intellectual-property protec- tion in 60 nations over a 150-year period. It found evidence consistent with three classes of explanations. This analysis had several limitations, which Suggest the need for further research. For in- Stance, it is critical to understand the interaction Between patents and other technology policy Tools. To what extend did other policies(e.g., Trade secret law and government subsidies) sub- stitute for or complement patent policy? Did Shifts in judicial doctrine mirror those in statu- Tory protection or serve to dampen their impact? Given the data issues involved, these important Issues are likely to be addressable only through Country-specific studies.