Licensing Behavior and Intellectual Property Treaties in University Technology Offices: Difference Analysis
Keywords:
University Technology Transfer, Intellectual Property Treaties, Difference Analysis, Licensing Behavior, University Technology OfficesAbstract
This paper investigates the dynamic shifts in licensing behavior within university technology transfer offices following the ratification of major international intellectual property treaties. Utilizing a quasi-experimental difference-in-differences analytical framework, we evaluate how international regulatory harmonization influences licensing strategies, contract structures, and royalty generation. Using a comprehensive dataset of university-held patent portfolios and licensing transactions across multiple jurisdictions, our analysis reveals that the alignment of patent laws under global treaties significantly alters institutional preferences toward non-exclusive licensing, particularly in high-technology sectors. Furthermore, we find that the implementation of harmonized patent standards reduces transaction costs and accelerates cross-border technology licensing, though the benefits are unevenly distributed, favoring institutions with pre-existing commercialization infrastructure. The paper examines the underlying mechanisms, including shifts in resource allocation toward international patent applications and changes in negotiation leverage. Our findings have critical implications for academic administrators, policymakers, and university technology managers seeking to optimize technology transfer strategies in an increasingly integrated global knowledge economy.References
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