Enforcement of Intellectual Property, Pollution Abatement, and Directed Technical Change
Open access
Author
Date
2016-03Type
- Journal Article
Abstract
We theoretically investigate the interaction between endogenous enforcement of intellectual property rights (IPRs) and tax-financed pollution abatement measures. IPRs affect dirty and clean intermediates alike such that higher IPR enforcement may promote the transition to the clean technology, if this technology is productive enough. If the green technology is relatively unproductive, higher IPRs promote the dirty technology while pollution is increasing. As households are due to subsistence consumption subject to a hierarchy of needs, the level of IPR enforcement as well as the level of abatement measures depends on the state of technology and is increasing during economic development. Thus, if the incentive to enforce IPRs is low the level of abatement measures is also low. This argument provides a theoretical foundation for the observed clash of interests in international negotiation rounds regarding the harmonization of IPR protection and actions to combat climate change. Show more
Permanent link
https://doi.org/10.3929/ethz-b-000123555Publication status
publishedExternal links
Journal / series
Environmental and Resource EconomicsVolume
Pages / Article No.
Publisher
SpringerSubject
Directed technical change; Intellectual property rights; PollutionOrganisational unit
03635 - Bretschger, Lucas (emeritus) / Bretschger, Lucas (emeritus)
Notes
It was possible to publish this article open access thanks to a Swiss National Licence with the publisher.More
Show all metadata