Document Type
Working Paper
Publication Date
12-2006
Language
en-US
Abstract
This paper uses renewal data to estimate the value of U.S. patents, controlling for patent and owner characteristics. Estimates of U.S. patent value are substantially larger than estimates for European patents, however, the ratio of U.S. patent value to R&D for firms is only about 3%. Patents issued to small patentees are much less valuable than those issued to large corporations, perhaps reflecting imperfect markets for technology. Litigated patents are more valuable, as are highly cited patents. However, patent citations explain little variance in value, suggesting limits to their use as a measure of patent quality.
Recommended Citation
James Bessen,
The Value of U.S. Patents by Owner and Patent Characteristics
(2006).
Available at:
https://scholarship.law.bu.edu/faculty_scholarship/3188
