reviewing a few theoretical arguments that economists have formulated on the effects of a system of patent protection. We will … United States is that doing so will outline the broad template of patent policy reform that has been adopted by policy makers …. The final part of this essay, explores the likely impact of harmonization of international patent laws - including TRIPS …

Purpose - The level of R&D spending of a country tends to increase the national patent rate and, in consequence, can … of national patent applications as a mediator in the relationship between R&D spending and national development. Design …/methodology/approach - Panel data on patent applications in 35 countries of all continents (except Africa) over 15 years (from 1999 to 2013 …