Taking German public basic research as an example, this book explores
how the ongoing implementation of knowledge and technology transfer as
the Third Mission of academic science creates not only new incentives
for academic patenting, but also triggers new patenting motives and
strategies of researchers and organizations. Analyzing these motives and
strategies, the book highlights how the complex regulatory interplay of
the patent system, research policy and self-governed academic
communities creates a situation in which new patent functions emerge:
beyond their intended function as a protection for upstream inventions,
patents become a signaling device for scientists to communicate their
commitment and competence in the Third Mission. As an exploratory study,
this book combines qualitative empirical research with concepts and
insights from multiple fields such as economics, law, political sciences
and regulation. In consequence, the book addresses anyone interested in
patenting incentives and motives and their impact on the functional
change and regulatory effectiveness of patents in polycentric regulatory
environments.