Kauffman-Larta Technology Bundling Project

Research and development have long been significant engines of economic growth in the United States; in the year 2000, we collectively spent about $265 billion on R&D [i]. In many cases, this research investment results in the creation of patentable inventions, and the US Patent Office issues over 160,000 patents each year [ii]. Some of these patents are never used commercially, and some are used commercially only by the company or individual owning the patent. But increasingly, patents are used by multiple parties through the process of licensing. A license is an agreement between the patent-holder and another party, granting the second party the right (license) to make, use or sell products or processes covered by the first party�s patents.

By Norman Brown, Larta Fellow, Virtual Bundling Agent

Full Story: http://www.larta.org/lavox/ArticleLinks/2006/102006_VBA.asp