The main objective of this paper is to analyze the links between product market competition, innovation and growth. In a step-by step innovation model we explicitly introduce the distinction between knowledge and technology information flows. Patents protect their holders from being imitated or...

Economic theory views patents as policy instruments aimed at fostering innovation and diffusion. Three major implications are drawn regarding current policy debates. First, patents may not be the most effective means of protection for inventors to recover R&D investments when imitation is costly...