This paper analyses the evolution of the intellectual property regime (IPR), and more precisely the patent regime, in the USA since the 19th century. To do so, we consider intellectual property laws within the context of wider changes in capitalism, focusing on two main historical phases:...

This paper analyses the evolution of the intellectual property regime (IPR), and more precisely the patent regime, in the USA since the 19th century. To do so, we consider intellectual property laws within the context of wider changes in capitalism, focusing on two main historical phases:...

The paper surveys in a critical manner the recent development in firms theories. It is organized around two directions. The first one analyses the contributions recently proposed around the vision of the firm envisaged as a ?nexus of contracts?, focusing on the different recent variants of the...