An exploration of domestic patent use among Norwegian firms

Abstract

The working paper is designed to provide input to the Ministry of Trade and Industry and to the members of the forum that the Ministry appointed in 2006 to consider measures to improve the use and conditions for use of patents by Norwegian entities. To this end, it provides detailed empirical information about patterns of patent use among different categories of Norwegian firms. It identifies characteristics of patenting firms, focusing on issues related to firm-size, industrial sector, geographical location, and other aspects of firm populations.