How Can We Stop Chinese Theft of Intellectual Property?

How Can We Stop Chinese Theft of Intellectual Property?

By David KlineThe latest figures indicate that the total cost of patent infringement, pirated software, counterfeit goods, and theft of trade secrets costs the U.S. economy somewhere between $225 billion to $600 billion each and every year. And according to the...
Do Patents Really Promote Innovation?

Do Patents Really Promote Innovation?

By David Kline Do patents really promote innovation? This is a matter of no small disagreement. So to answer it, let’s start with the basics: What causes innovation in the first place? Economists have repeatedly demonstrated that inventors are driven primarily by the...
Do Non-Compete Clauses Unfairly Handcuff Employees?

Do Non-Compete Clauses Unfairly Handcuff Employees?

by James Pooley Employers today increasingly require their employees to sign a contract promising not to compete for a period of time after they leave a firm. Employers justify these “non-compete” agreements as necessary to protect trade secrets. The protection of...
Can Patent Pools Overcome Patent Roadblocks?

Can Patent Pools Overcome Patent Roadblocks?

By David KlineAn arms race in patents. A surge in high-cost patent litigation. And the emergence of unscrupulous patent trolls who use the threat of lawsuits to extort nuisance settlements.These are the costly side effects — the dark side, if you will — of America’s...