Development of Patent Activity in Czech Republic
Development of Patent Activity in Czech Republic

Author(s): Stanislava Štefánková
Subject(s): Business Economy / Management, Commercial Law
Published by: Masarykova univerzita nakladatelství
Keywords: intangible assets; patent; patent activity; engineering sector;
Summary/Abstract: Intangible assets play an important role in business activities and represent a significant source of competitive advantage. Firms usually tend to protect their assets regardless of whether they are tangible or intangible. This study focuses on patents and patent activity in the Czech Republic. The aim of our research is to discuss factors affecting the value of a patent and factors affecting its vulnerability. Research in this field also revealed why firms tend to patent their technology. In this paper we analyse the historical development of patent activity, focusing on the engineering sector (classes F16-F17 according to the International Patent Classification), and factors influencing the development. Data were obtained from the annual reports of the Industrial Property Office and the Czech Statistical Office. The analysis showed that the number of national patent applications has been rapidly decreasing since 2002, when the Industrial Property Office became a recipient of European patent applications. Nevertheless, the number of nationally granted patents and European patents validated in the Czech Republic has a rising tendency, suggesting that the Czech market is competitive and worth securing protection of new technology.

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