How Do Patents Affect Follow-On Innovation? Evidence from the Human Genome

Bhaven Sampat and Heidi Williams (heidi.lie.williams@dartmouth.edu)

No 21666, NBER Working Papers from National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc

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 quantitatively important effect on follow-on innovation.

JEL-codes: I10 I18 O34 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2015-10
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-ino, nep-ipr, nep-pr~ and nep-tid
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (29)

Published as Bhaven Sampat & Heidi L. Williams, 2019. "How Do Patents Affect Follow-On Innovation? Evidence from the Human Genome," American Economic Review, vol 109(1), pages 203-236.

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Journal Article: How Do Patents Affect Follow-On Innovation? Evidence from the Human Genome (2019)
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