Patentes domésticas: avaliando estatísticas internacionais para localizar o caso brasileiro

Domestic patents statistics are a rich source of information about the technological situation of developing countries. Nevertheless, they are scarcely used in economic debates. This paper introduces arguments for the study of domestic patents, especially for the study of domestic patents of developing countries. The statistical meaning of domestic patent statistics is discussed. The differences between domestic and USPTO patents are highlighted. Statistical exercises with a 46 countries sample is presented, describing inter-country technological differences. The contrast between catching up countries (Korea and Taiwan) and other developing countries (Brazil, Argentina, India) is presented.