Presentation Date:
Location:
Title: How Do Patents Affect Follow-on Innovation? Evidence from the Human Genome
With Bhaven Sampat
Abstract:
We investigate whether patents on human genes have affected
follow-on scientific research and product development. Using
administrative data on successful and unsuccessful patent applications
submitted to the US Patent and Trademark Office, we link the exact gene
sequences claimed in each application with data measuring follow-on
scientific research and commercial investments. Using this data, we
document novel evidence of selection into patenting: patented genes
appear more valuable — prior to being patented — than non-patented
genes. This evidence of selection motivates two quasi-experimental
approaches, both of which suggest that on average gene patents have had
no effect on follow-on innovation.