Research On The Measurement Of3D Printing Patent Fragmentation And Coping Strategies

Patent fragmentation refers to patents of a specific technology were retained bynumerous patentees. Complementary innovation under patent scattered will weakeninnovation, increase transaction costs and reduce social welfare.3D printing technology isrecognized as one of the most promising technologies in the21st century, this field hasgradually matured, with the world’s most sophisticated3D printing technology and thehighest degree of industrialization, developments of the United States has a significantimpact in the industry around the world. This paper aimed to study the fragmentation in3D printing patents of the United States, explore the factors affecting the fragmentation,and provide information for the development of3D printing industry in China.On the basis of existing theoretical research, the author studied the worldwidedevelopment of3D printing technology and compared the patents of China and the U.S.,and then chose Fragmentation index as the way to measure the fragmentation of patents bythe characteristics of the U.S. patent application documents. Finally, the author studied thefragmentation of patents in3D printing technology, some important technologies’fragmentation and explored the impact of mergers and acquisitions to the fragmentation ofpatents. This paper shows that3D printing patents of the United States presentsfragmentation trends, some important technologies presents fragmentation trends, mergersand acquisitions between companies will lower patent fragmentation.