Strategic Intentions of Patent Transactions: A Network Analysis of the TFT-LCD Industry

Patent transactions have received considerable attention in the current technology transfer strategy. Patent transaction markets involve two major factors: 1) the market power of transactional negotiation and 2) the technological connections of an industry. This article explored the strategic intentions within the transaction market. This article examines the thin film transistor liquid crystal display patents in the United States Patent and Trademark Office database from 2002 to 2012 to identify patent transactions. By using social network analysis, this article measures market status and industrial constraints. The results show that patent transaction markets are highly structured, a core stratum controls most transactions. Major transactors demonstrate various value propositions and constitute four transactional typologies. The findings, which encapsulate the essence of technology or knowledge transfer markets, are relevant to strategic deployment for acquiring competitiveness.