Abstract
Controlling unique knowledge is of increasing importance to firms. Therefore, firms use knowledge protection mechanisms to prevent competitors from imitating their knowledge. We study the effects of the complexity of knowledge
inputs that arises from open innovation on the importance of two widely used protection mechanisms: patents and trademarks. We argue that this complexity makes the threat of imitation less predictable, and thus makes knowledge
protection more important. By analyzing survey data of 938 German firms, we find that patents are more important for firms in industries with higher knowledge input complexity. Furthermore, we show that the dynamics and not the level of knowledge input complexity positively affect the importance of trademarks.
inputs that arises from open innovation on the importance of two widely used protection mechanisms: patents and trademarks. We argue that this complexity makes the threat of imitation less predictable, and thus makes knowledge
protection more important. By analyzing survey data of 938 German firms, we find that patents are more important for firms in industries with higher knowledge input complexity. Furthermore, we show that the dynamics and not the level of knowledge input complexity positively affect the importance of trademarks.
Original language | English |
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Publication date | 2014 |
Number of pages | 33 |
Publication status | Published - 2014 |
Event | The DRUID Society Conference 2014: Entrepreneurship - Organization - Innovation - Copenhagen Business School, Frederiksberg, Denmark Duration: 16 Jun 2014 → 18 Jun 2014 Conference number: 36 http://druid8.sit.aau.dk/druid/registrant/index/login/cid/15 |
Conference
Conference | The DRUID Society Conference 2014 |
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Number | 36 |
Location | Copenhagen Business School |
Country/Territory | Denmark |
City | Frederiksberg |
Period | 16/06/2014 → 18/06/2014 |
Internet address |