Objective "A key element of innovation policy is the patent system. For the patent system to perform its function of fostering innovation, an adequate process of patent review must be in place. Failure of the patent office and courts to weed out low-quality patents leads ex post to deadweight loss and costly litigation. If anticipated by firms, it may lead ex ante to an inefficient allocation of resources by diverting funds that would otherwise go into R&D towards wasteful rent-seeking activities. Understanding the incentives of the various market actors involved in the process of patent review, and the constraints under which the relevant institutions operate, is essential for designing a better patent system. It is the subject of the present proposal to advance our understanding of these issues. The research project will study how application fees can be used in conjunction with explicit and implicit incentives for examiners and judges to influence the behavior of firms, and how the legal rules used in the determination of patent validity affect these incentives. Ultimately, the results of the research project should therefore contribute to improving the level of innovation in Europe and to a more efficient use of the resources devoted to R&D." Programme(s) FP7-PEOPLE - Specific programme "People" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Topic(s) FP7-PEOPLE-2010-IEF - Marie-Curie Action: "Intra-European fellowships for career development" Call for proposal FP7-PEOPLE-2010-IEF See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MC-IEF - Intra-European Fellowships (IEF) Coordinator TILBURG UNIVERSITY- UNIVERSITEIT VAN TILBURG EU contribution € 169 485,60 Address WARANDELAAN 2 5037 AB Tilburg Netherlands See on map Region Zuid-Nederland Noord-Brabant Midden-Noord-Brabant Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Administrative Contact Marjoleine De Wit (Mrs.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data