Very few quantitative studies assess the impact of IPR protection mechanisms on the competitiveness of companies, particularly those whose creation and existence is often attributed to high technology/knowledge intensity. The present study aims to fill this gap. Through a direct survey targeting startups located in S&T parks and incubators, we assess the direct and indirect impact of IPR protection mechanisms. Logistics estimations based on a sample of 48 Portuguese companies suggest that, considered globally, formal IPR protection is detrimental to the companies’ competitiveness. Notwithstanding, when IPR protection mechanisms are discriminated by type, the results indicate that the use of informal protection mechanisms, such as lead time and trade secrets, fosters the companies’ competitiveness, whereas the use of formal protection mechanisms, in particular, patents, trademarks and geographical indications, negatively impacts on competitiveness. The size and innovation profile of the company intermediates the influence of IPR protection on its competitiveness.

很少有定量研究评估知识产权保护机制对公司竞争力的影响，特别是那些创立和存在往往归因于高科技/知识强度的公司。本研究旨在填补这一空白。通过针对科技园区和孵化器中的初创企业的直接调查，我们评估了知识产权保护机制的直接和间接影响。根据对48家葡萄牙公司的样本进行的物流估算表明，从全球范围来看，正式的知识产权保护不利于公司的竞争力。尽管如此，当按类型区分知识产权保护机制时，结果表明使用非正式保护机制（例如交货时间和商业秘密）可以提高公司的竞争力，而使用正式的保护机制，特别是专利，商标和地理标志，会对竞争力产生负面影响。该公司的规模和创新能力在知识产权保护对其竞争力的影响中起到中介作用。