This thesis consists of an introductory chapter and four essays. Each of the four essays utilises a quite different methodology. The first essay considers optimal patent policy when the innovator has the option of keeping the innovation secret. The analysis is conducted under the usual partial...

The performance of the institutional structure protecting intellectual property is a matter of deep concern in determining economic well-being. Unfortunately, economic theory has been of little help in providing straightforward advice for policy-makers, the range of contradictory results...

In 1980 three Finnish companies established a research joint venture as a separate firm in order to develop semiconductors. This enterprise terminated in 1992 when the firm was sold. We study the RJV from the point of view of incomplete contacts, focusing on hold-up problems. Of particular...