The Evolution of Patent Thicket in Hybrid Vehicles

Abstract

"Most of the modern technologies are complex systems that require the assembly of several components. If these components are owned by different companies and inventors, the result is a technological landscape characterized by property rights interaction. This type of landscape is called by Shapiro (2001) patent thicket. This article argues that the increasing complexity in the architecture of hybrid vehicles and the use of patents as strategic devices, are taking shape in the sector as patent thickets. To prove the existence and evolution of the patent thicket a quantitative methodology, built from the USPTO is proposed. The results indicate that the hybrid vehicle industry is forming a network of interrelated patents. Results indicate that the hybrid vehicle industry is forming a network of interrelated patents."