Scott and Spadavecchia, 2019

Peter Scott and Anna Spadavecchia. 2019. Fundamental Patents, National Intellectual Property Regimes, and the Development of New Industries in Britain and America during the Second Industrial Revolution. Jahrbuch für Wirtschaftsgeschichte / Economic History Yearbook, 2019, vol. 60, issue 1, 181-208

Abstract: Several “new” industries of the second industrial revolution were characterised by one, or few, “fundamental” patents, without which manufacture of a viable product was not practicable. The degree of monopoly control that such patents conveyed was mediated by national socio-legal regimes, encompassing both patent law and its interpretation and enforcement. Using four case studies (two for the UK – a low anti-trust environment, and two for the USA – a high anti-trust environment) we show that fundamental patents were major determinants of monopoly power, industry structure, barriers to competition, and consumer prices. Impacts could extend beyond the life of the patents, owing to first mover advantages and path-dependent processes. Meanwhile national socio-legal environments, the nature of the fundamental patents, the strategies of the patent owners, and the nature of the specific product technology could have important (and sometimes unforeseen) consequences.

• Probably refers to the period 1860-1920 or thereabouts; there were a number of patent pools

Original title	Fundamental Patents, National Intellectual Property Regimes, and the Development of New Industries in Britain and America during the Second Industrial Revolution
Simple title	Fundamental Patents, National Intellectual Property Regimes, and the Development of New Industries in Britain and America during the Second Industrial Revolution
Authors	Peter Scott, Anna Spadavecchia
Date	2019
Countries	IT, GB
Languages	en
Keywords	patents, fees, government institutions, fundamental patents
Journal	Jahrbuch für Wirtschaftsgeschichte, Economic History Yearbook
Related to aircraft?	0
Page count	28
Word count
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