Patents according to the neo-Schumpeterian approach: an introductory discussion

Vol. 18 No. 4 (1998)

Oct-Dec / 1998
Published October 1, 1998
PDF-Portuguese (Português (Brasil))
PDF-Portuguese (Português (Brasil))

How to Cite

Albuquerque, Eduardo da Motta e. 1998. “Patents According to the Neo-Schumpeterian Approach: An Introductory Discussion”. Brazilian Journal of Political Economy 18 (4):561-80. https://doi.org/10.1590/0101-31571998-1259.

Patents according to the neo-Schumpeterian approach: an introductory discussion

Eduardo da Motta e Albuquerque
Centro de Desenvolvimento e Planejamento Regional da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais – CEDEPLAR/UFMG, Belo Horizonte/MG, Brasil.
Brazilian Journal of Political Economy, Vol. 18 No. 4 (1998), Oct-Dec / 1998, Pages 561-580

Abstract

This paper deals with the theoretical status of patents, taking the neo-shumpeterian
approach as a reference. Different characteristics of patents are analysed: i) informational
contents; ii) appropriability of innovation returns; iii) the complex trade-off between
the incentives for innovation or diffusion; iv) patent scope and its impact on second generation
innovations; v) barrier to entry. This analysis leads to an evaluation of patent laws
as different mix of these characteristics. Finally, the specificities of patent laws adapted to
less-developed countries are discussed.

JEL Classification: K11; B52; O34.


Keywords: Neo-Schumpeterian analysis innovation patents national innovation system