IPA IP 2022 Question 6
A question IPA Japan published in 令和4年度 ITパスポート試験 公開問題 問6, translated into English. ITPEC is based on the same exams.
Among the descriptions A through C concerning the patenting of a technology developed in-house, which of the following lists all and only the appropriate effects that can be expected to be obtained directly?
Explanation
A, B and C — a patent is an exclusive right to the technology, and all three effects follow directly from it.
A patent gives its holder the exclusive right to use the invention for a set period. Others may use it only with the holder's permission, and that one fact produces each effect:
- •A: in an alliance or joint development related to the technology, the partner needs the patent, so the holder can negotiate favourable terms, for example cross-licensing or a larger share.
- •B: the holder can grant licences to other companies for royalties, which pays back part of the development cost.
- •C: other companies cannot make or sell products using the technology without a licence, so the holder can keep competitors out of that market.
Answer (c)
Why not others:
- •(a) — A alone misses licence income (B) and the barrier to entry (C)
- •(b) — leaves out C, although excluding others is the core of a patent's exclusive right
- •(d) — leaves out A, although a patent is a bargaining chip in alliances
Key rule: A patent's exclusive right can be used three ways: keep competitors out, license it for royalties, or trade it for better terms in alliances and cross-licensing.
Technological Strategy Management · AI-written, may contain errors
This question comes from the past questions IPA Japan publishes, translated into English by ITPEC Practice. ITPEC Practice is an independent study tool and is not affiliated with IPA or ITPEC. See the original paper (PDF) or Report an issue.