Patent Carrots and Sticks: A Model of Nonobviousness
Michael J. Meurer and Katherine J. Strandberg
Lewis & Clark Law Review, Vol. 12, p. 549, 2008
Boston University School of Law Working Paper 09-17
April 6, 2009
Abstract
The authors develop an informal model of the impact of the nonobviousness standard on the choice of research projects. Previous models assume that the basic question confronting a researcher is, "Shall I produce this particular invention?" More realistically, the authors think a researcher asks, "Which research path shall I pursue?" The model shows that a patent serves as a carrot to induce the choice of more difficult projects than would be pursued under the no-patent alternative. The nonobviousness standard serves as a stick to prod researchers to choose even more difficult projects. The results of the model help us understand why a fact-intensive issue like obviousness is a question of law. The model also helps us understand the optimal relationship between the nonobviousness standard and patentable subject matter exclusions. Commentators often suggest subject-matter exclusions are unnecessary if the nonobviousness standard is used appropriately. The authors' model suggests this intuition is wrong for inventions characterized by large social spillovers and high social costs of patenting; a simple subject matter exclusion would be more efficient.
Keywords: obviousness,nonobviousness, patent,subject matter, question of law, question of fact
JEL Classifications: K20, K29
Accepted Paper Series
Size: 212 KB
Est. download time @ 28.8K: 7 seconds
Adobe Acrobat Reader v3.01 or greater is required to view this paper.
To obtain a free copy, click the button below
Katherine J. Strandberg Contact Information
DePaul University College of Law
25 E. Jackson Blvd.
Chicago, IL 60604-2287
kstrandb@depaul.edu
Michael J. Meurer Contact Information
Boston University School of Law
765 Commonwealth Ave
Boston, MA 02215
USA
(617) 353-6292
This draft can be also found at the link below: