Innovation in the Mining Sector and Cycles in Commodity Prices
Economic Research Working Paper No. 55
This paper analyses the evolution of innovation in the mining sector and how this innovation responds to the economic environment, in particular to changes in commodity prices. For this purpose, we combine commodity price data with innovation data as proxied by patent filings extracted from a novel unit record database containing comprehensive patent and firm level data for the mining sector from 1970 to 2015. We include patents registered both by mining companies and mining equipment, technology and service (METS) firms. With a multi-country panel analysis, we find that innovation in the mining sector is cyclical. Innovation increases in periods of high commodity prices while decreasing during commodity price recessions. Our results suggest that innovation increases mostly with long price cycle variations, while mostly unaffected by medium and short cycles. METS related innovation seem the driving force of this mechanism. In contrast, countries specializing in mining industries are found to be slower in reacting to price changes.
Publication year: 2019
Innovation and IP Rights in the Chilean Copper Mining Sector: The Role of the Mining, Equipment, Technology and Services Firms
Economic Research Working Paper No. 54
This analysis of intellectual property (IP) protection practices among mining equipment, technology and services suppliers (METS) in Chile's copper mining sector adds to a body of literature that has hitherto focused on high-income countries. It is based on data collated from an online survey of resident METS and on semi-structured interviews of executives from mining companies and suppliers, including two universities. The main conclusion is that, although METS appear to be innovative in relation to the mining sector and the economy as a whole, only a few use intellectual property rights (IPRs) to protect their innovations. The main reasons for this finding appear to be the cost and expected complexity of the registration process. Another noteworthy finding is the view that Chile has the requisite legal IPR expertise, but commercial capabilities (expertise in IPR-based innovation management and business plans) are much less developed. In the last section, four case studies of product and process innovation by four mining suppliers add some interesting insights to the analysis.
Publication year: 2019
Technology Appropriation and Technology Transfer in the Brazilian Mining Sector
Economic Research Working Paper No. 53
This paper focuses on the competitive dynamics, strategic challenges, technological needs and institutional innovation-promoting arrangements in Brazil's mining sector in order to identify the ways in which mining firms and mining equipment, technology and services suppliers (METS) handle innovation appropriation and technology transfer in the country. As the main sample consisted of resident and non-resident companies, the key technological areas of mining-related patenting in Brazil and the main patent stakeholders have been identified. The analysis of technology transfer among firms and to other mining industry stakeholders, mainly universities, drew on import contracts and highlighted the role played by foreign METS. A case study of Vale S.A., Brazil's largest mining enterprise, has been included, with emphasis on Vale's strategies to mitigate external challenges and to meet technological needs through innovation.
Publication year: 2019
Madrid Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Marks; Protocol Relating to the Madrid Agreement; Regulations; Administrative Instructions.
The system of international registration of marks is governed by the Madrid Agreement. The Protocol relating to that Agreement aims at rendering the Madrid system more flexible and more compatible with the domestic legislation of certain countries which had not been able to accede to the Agreement.
Publication year: 2019
Madrid Yearly Review 2019
International Registrations of Marks
Comprehensive facts, figures and analysis of the international registration of marks.
Publication year: 2019
Sharing Knowledge, Building Capacity – The WIPO Academy Year in Review 2018
This report presents the Academy's achievements in 2018 and highlights the latest developments across programs, including new partnerships and course offerings.
Publication year: 2019
Intellectual Property Basics: A Q&A for Students
Compiled by the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) with the support of the WIPO China Funds-in-Trust, this book gives students a basic yet comprehensive understanding of IP. Using a question-and-answer format, it covers the general rules of the IP system as well as the essentials of patents, copyright, trademarks and other forms of IP, such as industrial designs, geographical indications and traditional knowledge.
Publication year: 2019
WIPO GREEN – Year in Review 2018
The WIPO GREEN Year in Review 2018 provides a snapshot of last year's activities and achievements. Some highlights include our regional matchmaking project in Southeast Asia, new green tech "deals," and the establishment of new strategic partnerships.
Publication year: 2019
Patent Landscape Report: Marine Genetic Resources
This landscape report examines the scientific and patent landscapes for marine genetic resources in the South East Asia (ASEAN region).
Publication year: 2019
The Hague System for the International Registration of Industrial Designs
Main Features and Advantages
An overview of the Hague System explaining who can use it, how the registration process works and how it may benefit users.
Publication year: 2019