Use of Patent Information : Empirical Evidence from Innovative SMEs

This paper discusses the use of patent information by innovative SMEs. The standard literature tends to focus on obtaining patents; studies of using patent information for different purposes are underrepresented in the innovation literature. Studying the case of SMEs is especially interesting, because they often do not have in-house specialists dealing with patent issues. Our research reveals that the most important reasons why SMEs do not use patent information are: (i) costs; (ii) unclear procedures. These constraints may be tackled by improving the communication on the usefulness of patent information, improving access to patent information, and integrating more lessons on using patent and patent information in education. Given that using patent information is useful for SMEs, its use should be promoted. The key players in this respect are NIPO (the Dutch organization responsible for patents and patent information), trade associations, and educational institutions.