Do academic entrepreneurs patent their secrets? : an empirical investigation of patent rationales

Walter, Sascha and Schmidt, Arne and Walter, Achim (2011) Do academic entrepreneurs patent their secrets? : an empirical investigation of patent rationales. Frontiers of Entrepreneurship Research, 31 (12): 4. pp. 403-417.

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Abstract

This study explores why academic entrepreneurs seek patents for their inventions before and after spin-off creation. Specifically, we examine (1) the relative impact of academic, business, and entrepreneurial rationales and (2) changes in patent propensity throughout the founding process. Findings based on 160 technology spin-offs combined with patent data show that some academic and business rationales, but also entrepreneurial rationales (technological uncertainty, tacit knowledge) affect patent propensity. Surprisingly, academic entrepreneurs with patents prior to founding patented less after founding. We discuss the implications of our results both in terms of contribution to the current literature and technology transfer policies.

Item Type:
Journal Article
Journal or Publication Title:
Frontiers of Entrepreneurship Research
ID Code:
62259
Deposited By:
Deposited On:
15 Feb 2013 15:15
Refereed?:
Yes
Published?:
Published
Last Modified:
10 Feb 2024 00:39