Applying novel datasets, Fabian Gäßler analyzes how key aspects of the current patent system in Europe and Germany, respectively, affect patent enforcement and patent trade. In particular, he shows what factors determine court selection in patent litigation and how the jurisdictional separation of validity and infringement questions favors the patent holder. The author further provides empirical evidence for the market for patents in Europe. The presented findings yield important implications for the ongoing debate on the optimal design of patent systems.

Dr. Fabian Gäßler works as Senior Research Fellow in the Department for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Research at the Max Planck Institute for Innovation and Competition in Munich. He completed his dissertation under supervision of Prof. Dietmar Harhoff, PhD.

The determinants of court selection in patent litigation.- The effects of bifurcation in patent litigation systems.- The timing of patent transfers in Europe.