This book „The Economics of Intellectual Property and Openness” focuses on the economic aspects of intellectual property (IP). It includes considerations of the wider category of intangible assets. However, the primary focus is devoted to patents which the author argues are the most vivid example of the Tragedy of Intangible Abundance (TIA).

TIA touches upon a key issue in the contemporary economy. On the one hand, there is an enormous supply of IP, yet, on the other hand, such an abundance does not necessarily solve existing issues but rather creates new ones as well. This book elaborates on the reasons for the emergence of TIA and its consequences. I try to use clear metaphors to explain very complex issues.

I hope that my book provides a valuable and interdisciplinary analysis of the field and offers practical solutions. It is based on the data collected by the author during the qualitative research he conducted among a group of start-ups. It presents guidance on determining which instrument is the most efficient for a particular situation. The research also provides arguments for decision-makers and their advisors as to why a more open approach towards intellectual property would be more beneficial under many circumstances in the contemporary economy. While universal issues are addressed, the author distinguishes the European perspective too.

The main message of the book „The Economics of Intellectual Property and Openness”

Let me paraphrase Gandalf.

Where can I buy „Economics of Intellectual Property and Openness”?

The best solution is to buy on the Routledge website.

You can buy my book on Amazon, too.

Who is the author?

More information about the author you can find here.

Free sample

Here you can download a free sample – one chapter of the book.

Table of Contents

Introduction

1 Tragedies in economics

1.1 Economics of scarcity

1.2 Tragedy of the Commons

1.3 Tragedy of the Anti-Commons

1.4 Tragedy of Intangible Abundance

2 What caused the Tragedy of Intangible Abundance

2.1 Low quality of patents

2.2 Patent flooding

2.3 Immeasurable intangible resources

2.4 Propertisation of intangible assets

2.5 Intensified complexity of innovation

3 Indications of Tragedy of Intangible Abundance

3.1 Intellectual property demand and supply mismatch

3.2 Intellectual property law has become an arms-race field

3.3 Patent thickets and entry barriers

3.4 ‘Patent trolls’ (non-practising-entities)

3.5 Ineffective legal intellectual property protection

4 Toward openness – counteracting the Tragedy of Intangible Abundance

4.1 Systemic measures

4.2 Sectoral measures

4.3 Company prospects: directed diffusion

4.4 Benefits from directed diffusion

4.5 Directed diffusion: instruments

Conclusion

Bartłomiej Biga