Configurations of Innovations: Examples of Biomedical Patents in Taiwan

Abstract

This paper uses the concept of configuration (or figuration) of Norbert Elias to examine biomedical patent applications in Taiwan. By analyzing two categories of Taiwanese patents: IPC C12N and C12Q, during the period of 1980-2014, I find that domestic applicants had an average of two-year lead to gain patent right. Demanding foreign priority, a strategy that can earn a longer period of patent right in patent application, was rarely utilized by domestic applicants, except for few `star` scientists from prestigious research centers. However, the applications that claim US priority have no significant advantage to be patented.