A patent provides protection for an invention to the owner of the patent. The protection is granted for a limited period, generally 20 years. Patent protection means that the invention cannot be commercially made, used, distributed or sold without the patent owner's consent.
Select an Issue
TAP Academics
View all academics with expertise in this Issue
TAP Blog
Two papers by Professor Daniel Spulber look at the interplay of the economic benefit of patents and the public policies that impact the development of innovation.
May 13, 2016
View all blog posts about this Issue
Upcoming Events
There are currently no upcoming events about this Issue. Please see our events calendar for all upcoming events.
Fact Sheets
A patent is an exclusive legal right to own and market an invention or improvement for a limited period of time, in exchange for public disclosure of the invention.
View all fact sheets about this Issue
Quote
"Research suggests that the harms from patent demands often flow not from the fact of being sued, but from being in a drawn-out, expensive dispute. Stories of small companies winning in the courtroom, but spending so much time and money on a case that they damage their business, are unfortunately commonplace." — Colleen Chien, Professor of Law, Santa Clara University
View all academics' quotes on this Issue
Featured Article
We study how the market for innovation affects enforcement of patent rights.
January 22, 2013
View all articles on this Issue