Applying novel datasets Fabian Gäßler analyzes how key aspects of the current patent system in
Europe and Germany respectively affect patent enforcement and patent trade. In particular he
shows what factors determine court selection in patent litigation and how the jurisdictional
separation of validity and infringement questions favors the patent holder. The author further
provides empirical evidence for the market for patents in Europe. The presented findings yield
important implications for the ongoing debate on the optimal design of patent systems.
