What Determines Invention? Evidence from Ethnic Diversity of Patent Examiners
* 주관: 서울대학교 경제학부, 경제연구소 한국경제혁신센터, SSK, BK21
* 본 세미나는 BK21+(2023-1학기) 세미나 참석으로 인정됩니다.
- 세미나 참석인정을 원하는 학생은 세미나 종료 후 참석자 명단을 작성해주시기 바랍니다.
Abstract
This study investigates the impact of patent examiners' ethnicity and the ethnic diversity of their team on the patent grant or rejection decision. The decision-making of patent examiners may be influenced by homophily and personal bias. We found that patent examiners in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) are more likely to grant patents to co-ethnic inventors. However, having a diverse ethnic team of examiners diminishes the likelihood of granting a patent to co-ethnic inventors. These results indicate a preference for ethnically similar inventors by examiners, but a decrease in that preference with increased team diversity. Our findings suggest policy recommendations to address the examination structure and team organization.