Why do SMEs file trademarks? Insights from firms in innovative industries

Joern Block, Christian O. Fisch, Alexander Hahn and Philipp G. Sandner

Research Policy, 2015, vol. 44, issue 10, 1915-1930

Abstract: Trademark filings have increased markedly over time. Although prior research has investigated the outcomes of trademark registration, including its effects on firm market valuation and productivity, little is known about why firms file trademarks. However, to interpret the increase in trademark filings and its economic effects, it is important to know and understand why firms file trademarks. Because trademarks are particularly important to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), this study analyzes trademarking motives using a survey of 600 SMEs in innovative industries. An exploratory factor analysis yields three distinct motives: protection, marketing, and exchange. A cluster analysis reveals four distinct clusters of firms with respect to the three trademarking motives. A comparison of these clusters reveals significant differences in several industry- and firm-level characteristics, including participation in service industries and relationships with external parties. Implications for research on SMEs, trademarks, and intellectual property management are discussed.

Keywords: Trademarks; SMEs; Intellectual property; Motives to file IPRs; Cluster analysis (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: C38 O34 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2015
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (69)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:respol:v:44:y:2015:i:10:p:1915-1930

DOI: 10.1016/j.respol.2015.06.007

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