Cahiers du Larequoi 2006
Corbel, P. and Fernandez, F. « Vers une théorie du brevet comme ressource stratégique », Cahiers de recherche du Larequoi, University of Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, 2006/1, pp. 28-40
Abstract:
A legal instrument for obtaining a long-term monopoly (20 years) on an invention: this is how a non-specialist tends to perceive a patent. This is undoubtedly one of the reasons why there has been little theorising on the strategic management of this type of intellectual property right, and the patent is most often treated only as a tool likely to enable a company to appropriate the benefits associated with technological innovation. The aim of this article is to show that this implicit dominant theory is very restrictive and to propose an alternative, more global approach, rooted in the resource-based approach. The patent is analysed as a resource requiring the application of specific skills in order to contribute to "generic" capabilities likely to be the source of a competitive advantage. This work is the fruit of joint reflection between a researcher and a practitioner. It is therefore a theoretical reflection in the sense that it is not associated with a specific empirical study, but nevertheless, thanks to this collaboration, it remains deeply rooted in practice.