We analyze recent contributions to growth theory based on the model of expanding variety of Romer [Romer, P. (1990). “Endogenous technological change”. Journal of Political Economy 98, 71–102]. In the first part, we present different versions of the benchmark linear model with imperfect...

We derive a theory-based gravity-type equation that determines the main drivers of international technology diffusion under perfect enforcement of intellectual property rights. We estimate the gravity equation using bilateral royalty payments data for a sample of 53 countries and the period...

Using a vertical differentiation model of endogenous growth with stochastic R&D activity, we characterise the optimal patent lifetime a government would set in order to maximise economic growth. We show that a finite patent lifetime does exist and is unique provided that the expected rate of...

We consider an endogenous growth model with two sectors: an intermediate input (or "upstream") sector and a final product (or "downstream") sector. Innovation takes place in both sectors. Following Gilbert and Shapiro (1990), we define patent breadth as the ability of the innovator to reap...

An endogenous growth model is developed where each period firms invest in researching and developing new ideas. An idea increases a firm's productivity. By how much depends on how central the idea is to a firm's activity. Ideas can be bought and sold on a market for patents. A firm can sell an...

Using a vertical differentiation model of endogenous growth with stochastic R&D activity, we characterise the optimal patent lifetime a government would set in order to maximise economic growth. We show that a finite patent lifetime does exist and is unique provided that the expected rate of...

This volume was prepared by Sebastian Benz while he was working at the Ifo Institute. It was completed in December 2013 and accepted as a doctoral thesis by the Department of Economics at the University of Munich. It includes five self-contained chapters. All chapters discuss different...

This volume was prepared by Sebastian Benz while he was working at the Ifo Institute. It was completed in December 2013 and accepted as a doctoral thesis by the Department of Economics at the University of Munich. It includes five self-contained chapters. All chapters discuss different...

This chapter surveys the literature on international trade and the protection of intellectual property rights (IPRs) in the global economy. The discussion is organized around the major questions in the field. How does openness to trade affect national incentives for patent protection? What is...

This paper examines a country's incentives for intellectual property rights (IPR) protection in a global trading environment. There is a time inconsistency problem intrinsic to IPR protection: ex ante strong protection is warranted to promote innovation, but once discovery takes place there is...