Intellectual Property Law and Empirical Research

Abstract

In recent decades, empirical research has developed across many areas of intellectual property law. This chapter examines challenges that can arise in conducting, or drawing upon, empirical research in IP law. These include assessing a study’s value in terms of methodology, sample choice and size, execution and reporting, as well as the conclusions that might reasonably be drawn from the research. As IP scholars generate more empirically informed research, there can be value in asking whether the studies are robust and well executed, whether they reveal information or viewpoints previously not recognised, and whether they produce work from which legal or scholarly lessons can be drawn. Robus..