See this book for a complete discussion on these topics and more: http://levine.sscnet.ucla.edu/papers/imbookfinalall.pdf http://levine.sscnet.ucla.edu/papers/i

See this book for a complete discussion on these topics and more: http://levine.sscnet.ucla.edu/papers/imbookfinalall.pdf http://levine.sscnet.ucla.edu/papers/imbookfinalall.pdf That book weighs all of the costs and perceived benefits of patents form every angle in every industry and makes a very fascinating conclusion.