In this paper, we offer a novel explanation to the surge in patenting bserved during the last years. With low patentability standards at PTOs (Patent and Trademark Offices awarding so-called bad patents), not only “false innovators” have the chance of being granted patents but also, and more...

In this paper, we offer a novel explanation to the surge in patenting bserved during the last years. With low patentability standards at PTOs (Patent and Trademark Offices awarding so-called bad patents), not only "false innovators" have the chance of being granted patents but also, and more...

According to Chang et al. (2013), social welfare under licensing is lower than under no-licensing if the R&D efficiency is high. We show that this result is not correct, as when R&D efficiency is high social welfare is higher under licensing than under no-licensing.