The Effect of Application Fees on Entry into Patenting (nber.org)
(Wednesday March 19, 2025 @06:00AM (msmash)
from the closer-look dept.)
- Reference: 0176765143
- News link: https://yro.slashdot.org/story/25/03/18/2047251/the-effect-of-application-fees-on-entry-into-patenting
- Source link: https://www.nber.org/papers/w33492
The [1]abstract of a paper published on National Bureau of Economic Research:
> Ensuring broad access to the patent system is crucial for fostering innovation and promoting economic growth. To support this goal, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office offers reduced fees for small and micro entities. This paper investigates whether fee rates affect the filing of applications by small and micro entities. Exploiting recent fee reforms, the study evaluates the relationship between fee changes and the number of new entrants, controlling for potential confounding factors such as legislative changes. The findings suggest that fee reductions alone are insufficient to significantly increase participation in the patent system among small and micro entities.
[1] https://www.nber.org/papers/w33492
> Ensuring broad access to the patent system is crucial for fostering innovation and promoting economic growth. To support this goal, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office offers reduced fees for small and micro entities. This paper investigates whether fee rates affect the filing of applications by small and micro entities. Exploiting recent fee reforms, the study evaluates the relationship between fee changes and the number of new entrants, controlling for potential confounding factors such as legislative changes. The findings suggest that fee reductions alone are insufficient to significantly increase participation in the patent system among small and micro entities.
[1] https://www.nber.org/papers/w33492
Lawyer? (Score:1)
For most of us, doesn't filing a patent require a lawyer? With about half the US living paycheck to paycheck, who can afford that? Its also first to file, so it doesn't matter if you invented something first, the person with the mega cash to splurge on lawyers will get the patent award.