Antitrust Policy and Intellectual Property Rights Protection in Emerging Markets

Abstract

The article considers the problem of correspondence between antitrust policy and intellectual property rights protection in terms of their goals, methods and mutual influence. This question provokes discussions: on the one hand, innovative development requires strong intellectual property rights protection to stimulate entrepreneurs, even if it leads to anti-competitive consequences. On the other hand, maintenance of market competition requires limiting property rights. The context of the problem changes significantly when emerging markets economies are concerned. Basing on the formal model, the authors analyze possible hostile effects of antitrust policies under the conditions of poor intellectual property rights protection, which is typical for some developing countries, and propose ways of overcoming the unfavorable situation. The research shows that antitrust policy needs careful consideration of the existing institutional environment.