专利拒绝许可反垄断法适用问题的比较研究

Comparative Study on Application of Anti-monopoly Law to Refusal to License

专利权是专利权人对其智力成果依法享有的专有权利,专利权制度是国家对创新进行激励、对创新者进行保护的基本制度。专利权作为私法上的权利,专利权人当然有拒绝许可的权利。但是,当专利拒绝许可行为损害了市场上的创新、阻碍新技术的出现时,则有必要适用反垄断法对其进行规制。本文首先对专利拒绝许可行为是否适用反垄断法问题进行探讨。其次,通过比较研究我国、美国、欧盟、日本的竞争法理论及案例,对专利拒绝许可行为的反垄断法违法构成要件进行考察。最后,对反垄断法如何规制专利拒绝许可行为提出建议和思考。本文从保护技术创新和维护竞争秩序的角度出发,借鉴了美国、欧盟、日本的有益经验,以期提出对实务有价值的建议。

A patent is an exclusive right given by law to inventors to make use of and exploit their inventions for a specifi c period of time. The establishment of a patent protection system is intended to encourage innovation and to protect the innovator. As a right protected by private law, the inventor as patent holder has the right to refuse to license their invention. However, when a refusal to license discourages innovation and hinders the emergence of new technology, the application of Anti-Monopoly Law(AML) becomes necessary. This article fi rstly discusses whether AML is applicable in refusal to license cases. In addition, through a comparative study of the theory and precedents of competition law in China, US, EU, and Japan, this article reviews the elements constituting a refusal to license under AML. Finally, some advice and thoughts are put forward on how to apply AML in order to regulate refusals to license. In the interests of protecting technical innovation and maintaining orderly competition, this article aims to provide some valuable suggestions for AML in practice by referencing the experiences of the US, EU, and Japan.