Title: Study of blocking patents and many patents strategy by Japanese big companies

Authors: Yoshifumi Okuda; Yoshitoshi Tanaka

Addresses: Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Campus Innovation Center, 3-3-6, Shibaura, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-0023 Japan ' Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Campus Innovation Center, 3-3-6, Shibaura, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-0023 Japan

Abstract: Japanese companies obtain numerous patents in Japan. However, half of these patents are not used according to the survey of Japan Patent Office. The survey shows 30% of patents are blocking patents which are included in unused patents. In this study, we conducted an investigation through documentary analysis and questionnaires to determine the reason for the behaviour of Japanese companies. The result of our research showed that Japanese companies register patents to thwart competition as an R&D strategy and get a first mover advantage.

Keywords: patent strategy; blocking patents; defensive patents; unused patents; Japanese patents; Japan; R&D strategy; research and development; first mover advantage; intellectual property.

DOI: 10.1504/IJLSE.2014.071242

International Journal of Liability and Scientific Enquiry, 2014 Vol.7 No.1, pp.18 - 31

Published online: 18 Aug 2015 *

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