markets pools can prevent patents from becoming a costly obstacle to innovation by clearing channels of technology transfer … from the pool. A large but inconclusive literature considers the relationship between pooling and innovation. Conclusions … strength of alternatives outside the pool, about the impact on innovation of insiders vs. outsiders to the pool, and finally …

licensing on R&D competition in the innovation market and to examine the rationale for often observed grant-back clauses. Of … particular concern are how the consideration of future competition distorts the licensing relationship and how the "grant … may adversely affect competition because they reduce the licensee's incentive to engage in R&D and thereby limit rivalry …