From Innovation to Standardization: Unraveling the Impact of R&D Strategies on Standard-Setting Processes

The unprecedented proliferation of standard-essential patents (SEPs) has exerted a transformative impact on the evolution of standards, fueling global technological innovation. Recognized as a linchpin for enabling rapid and widespread innovation diffusion, SEPs have become pivotal drivers of contemporary business strategies. While the superior value of SEPs vis-à-vis non-standard-essential patents (non-SEPs) is widely acknowledged, the intricate process underlying the transformation of patents into SEPs warrants a comprehensive investigation. Drawing on an extensive analysis of 4859 SEPs and 775 669 non-SEPs granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office from 1976 to 2014, this study employs a rigorous examination of ten commonly utilized patent indicators, delineating four critical dimensions: 1) collaboration, 2) knowledge, 3) diversity, and 4) legal protection. Through a strategic lens, this study shed light on the multifaceted factors that amplify the likelihood and hasten the speed of SEP declarations. The empirical findings of this study compellingly illustrate the predominantly positive influence exerted by most indicators on SEP declaration likelihood, effectively expediting the declaration process.