Document Type
Article
Publication Date
6-15-2022
Abstract
Over the last few decades, the United States has become more innovative, but the gains have been distributed unequally. In 2020, over 50% of new U.S. patents went to the top 1% of patentees and more than 50% of all patents of U.S. origin were generated by just five states, all coastal. Less than 13% of inventors were women. The economic, geographic, and demographic concentration of innovation highlight how the intersections between two traditionally discrete topics—innovation and inequality—have become increasingly relevant. But rather than any single inequality, this Article argues, multiple inequalities - of income, opportunity, and access – have relevance to innovation. Examining the inequalities of innovation, separately and together, exposes the tensions, at times surprising, between notions of equity. When mapped onto patent law, an inequalities framework also reveals how the patent law can exacerbate inequality – by providing enhanced returns to “invention capital” – the role models, trust, know-how, and network of people that “you know and can call upon” – required to take advantage of inventing. But an inequalities framework also shows how patented innovation can improve conditions for the worst off, by providing paths to prosperity and hastening the creation and diffusion of innovation, even as it makes the rich richer.
Building on the “inequalities” framework described above, this Article offers a set of legal and administrative proposals grounded in patent law for addressing inequality concerns. To ensure equal opportunities to participate, this Article proposes the creation of an Independent Office of the Small Inventor Advocate, akin to the National Taxpayer Advocate, that would have responsibility for increasing invention capital and know-how among first-time inventors, and leveling-up the inventing playing field, for example through universally accessible patent-quality technology. To expand access to innovation, through partnerships and expand public understanding and oversight of the patent system, for example, by other agencies, this Article proposes the introduction of an independent Office of Public Interest and Partnerships in Innovation. Finally, introducing and centering equity metrics, like the number of first-time innovators, and patent granting gaps, can support equitable growth in innovation.
Automated Citation
Colleen Chien,
The Inequalities of Innovation
Emory L. J.
(2022),
Available at: https://digitalcommons.law.scu.edu/facpubs/999