Abstract
BackgroundConcerns have recently been raised about the negative effects of patents on innovation. In this study, the effects of patents on innovations in the Korean biotech SMEs (small and medium-sized entrepreneurs) were examined using survey data and statistical analysis.ResultsThe survey results of this study provided some evidence that restricted access problems have occurred even though their frequency was not high. Statistical analysis revealed that difficulties in accessing patented research tools were not negatively correlated with the level of innovation performance and attitudes toward the patent system.ConclusionOn the basis of the results of this investigation in combination with those of previous studies, we concluded that although restricted access problems have occurred, this has not yet deterred innovation in Korea. However, potential problems do exist, and the effects of restricted access should be constantly scrutinized.
Highlights
Concerns have recently been raised about the negative effects of patents on innovation
In a knowledge-based economy, it is assumed that the patent system is an effective incentive mechanism for research and development (R&D), in fields such as biotechnology where innovations have long gestation periods
The sample frame for the survey comprised senior researchers in biotech SMEs that were listed in the book "Bio-venture 2007" published by the Korea Bio Venture Association (KOBIOVEN)
Summary
Concerns have recently been raised about the negative effects of patents on innovation. Concerns about over-patenting and its negative effects are widespread [2], which has prompted researchers to investigate the effects of patents [7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17]. Many of these studies have focused on the field of biotechnology in particular [7,8,9,10,11,12,13]. The "upstream" patents in this field have enormous power because inventions cannot be invented around (see Note A) and are of crucial importance to researchers [10]
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