The Choice between Formal and Informal Intellectual Property: A Literature Review
Working Paper 17983
DOI 10.3386/w17983
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We survey the economic literature, both theoretical and empirical, on the choice of intellectual property protection by firms. Our focus is on the tradeoffs between using patents and disclosing versus the use of secrecy, although we also look briefly at the use of other means of formal intellectual property protection.
Published Versions
Bronwyn Hall, Christian Helmers, Mark Rogers, Vania Sena “The Choice between Formal and Informal Intellectual Property: A Review.” Journal of Economic Literature, Vol. 52, No. 2, June 2014 (pp. 375-423)