Economics of Science and Technology
Jeffrey Parker, Reed College
Fall 2012
Guest Speaker: Anthony Brown
Friday, October 12, 4pm, ETC 208
On Friday, October 12, Anthony Brown of Cascade Ventures, Inc., will speak to the class on non-practicing entities (NPEs): organizations that hold and enforce patents but do not engage in production activities based on those patents. The ability to profit from intellectual property without engaging in direct production enables specialization in R&D vis a vis production; the patent licensing activities that we shall analyze in the coming weeks often involve an "innovator" being compensated for his or her research by a "producer." However, some NPEs have been criticized as "patent trolls" by analysts who claim that they erect roadblocks to legitimate innovation through spurious litigation. Mr. Brown is a "practicing non-practicing entity," so this talk provides an excellent opportunity to get an insider's perspective on the subject.
Mr. Brown has recommended the readings below as preparation for Friday's talk:
- Schwartz, David L., and Joy P. Kesan. Undated. Analyzing the Role of Non-Practicing Entities in the Patent System. Illinois Public Law and Legal Theory Research Paper No. 13-01, University of Illinois College of Law.
- Bessen, James, and Michael J. Meurer. 2012. The Direct Costs from NPE Disputes. Boston University School of Law Working Paper No. 12-34.
- Greenspoon, Robert P., and Catherine M. Cottle. 2011. Don't Assume a Can Opener: Confronting Patent Economic Theories with Licensing and Enforcement Reality. Columbia Science and Technology Law Review 12: 194-218.
The article from our reading list on patent trolls is:
- Reitzig, Markus, Joachim Henkel, and Christopher Heath. 2007. On Sharks, Trolls, and their Patent Prey---Unrealistic Damage Awards and Firms' Strategies of "Being Infringed." Research Policy 36 (1):134-154.
In addition, here is a biographical article on Anthony Brown.