The ‘quality' of novel technological innovations is extremely variable, and the ability to measure innovation quality … is essential to sensible, evidence-based policy. Patents, an often vital precursor to a commercialised innovation, share … this heterogeneous quality distribution. A pertinent question then arises: How should we define and measure patent quality …

This paper surveys the major changes in patent policy and practice that have occurred in the last two decades in the U … effects of changes in patent policy. Despite the significance of the policy changes and the wide availability of detailed data … relating to patenting, robust conclusions regarding the empirical consequences for technological innovation of changes in …