RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS: WORKING PAPERS

Intellectual Property Rights Protection and Export Diversification: the Application of Utility Model Laws

We examine in this paper the impact of the tightening of IPRs, notably patents rights, and the adoption of utility model laws on export diversification.

To perform our analysis, we used panel data covering 89 developing and developed countries (of which 55 developing countries) over the period 1975 – 2003, and Lewbel (2012)'s instrumental variable technique. Our results lead us to conclude that for developing countries, legal protection for minor and adaptive inventions could be a springboard for further strengthening of IPRs protection in spurring export diversification, which is essential for the structural change needed for their economic development.

 

No: ERSD-2014-19

Authors: Kimm Gnangnon and Constance Besse Moser

Manuscript date: October 2014

Key Words:

Intellectual Property Rights; Utility Model Laws; Export Diversification; Lewbel Instrumental Variable Technique

JEL classification numbers:

F14, O24, O34

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Disclaimer 

This is a working paper, and hence it represents research in progress. The opinions expressed in this paper are those of its authors. They are not intended to represent the positions or opinions of the WTO or its members and are without prejudice to members' rights and obligations under the WTO. Any errors are attributable to the authors.

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