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Structure of a patent transaction network

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Abstract

Firms participating in a patent transaction network demonstrate interdependence and mutually influence one another. The characteristics of such a network structure demonstrate a complex overall configuration. This study proposes a dynamic perspective for investigating the structure of a patent transaction network. By using network analysis, this study defines the structural configuration of a patent transaction network by measuring centralization, centrality, and linkage distribution. Data from patent transactions of the flat panel display sector from 1976 to 2012 have been examined evaluate their networking. The results show that the structural configuration of a patent transaction network shows significant stratification patterns in terms of a given firm’s technology exportation and brokerage capabilities, but also operates as a complex system. This analysis provides insights into patent transaction networks, and also addresses policy implications for firms and authorities who are interested in acquiring market competition or governance.

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Notes

  1. TFT-LCD specific manufacturing technology can be further divided as Twisted nematic (TN), In-Plane Switching (IPS), Advanced fringe field switching (AFFS), Multi-domain vertical alignment (MVA), Patterned vertical alignment (PVA), Advanced super view (ASV), Plane Line Switching (PLS), and TFT dual-transistor pixel (DTP).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of International Business Studies, National Chi Nan University, 1, University Rd., Puli, Nantou, 54561, Taiwan

    Hung-Chun Huang, Hsin-Yu Shih & Tsung-Han Ke

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  1. Hung-Chun Huang
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  2. Hsin-Yu Shih
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Correspondence to Hung-Chun Huang.

Appendices

Appendix 1

The patent searching syntax of TFT-LCD technology:

ABST/(tft or lcd or tft-lcd or “thin film” or “liquid crystal”)

and not ABST/(tn or stn or st or “twisted nematic” or “super twisted nematic” or “super nwisted” or “superntwisted” or twistednematic”).

Appendix 2

See Table 4.

Table 4 The numbers of patents granted and transactions in TFT-LCD technology
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Huang, HC., Shih, HY. & Ke, TH. Structure of a patent transaction network. Scientometrics 111, 25–45 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11192-017-2258-5

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