Type of Document	Master's Thesis
Author	Sims, George G.
Author's Email Address	ggsims@starpower.net
URN	etd-10222002-164933
Title	Do Oil Companies aquire Alternative Energy Patents to Limit Technological Innovation, in order to Maintain Economic Advantage in Fossil Fuels
Degree	Master of Arts
Department	Economics
Advisory Committee	Advisor Name Title Waud, Roger N. Committee Chair Lutton, Thomas J. Committee Member Theroux, Richard Committee Member
Keywords	alternative energy patents oil companies
Date of Defense	2002-07-17
Availability	restricted
Abstract Do Oil Companies acquire Alternative Energy Patents to limit Technological Innovation, in order to maintain Economic Advantage in Fossil Fuels by George G. Sims Roger N. Waud, Chairman Economics (Abstract) This paper addresses the charge made by environmental groups that oil companies, since the 1970's, have been acquiring alternative energy patents, to restrict these technologies from reaching the market. The purpose of these restrictions was to protect profits from oil, natural gas and coal. In addressing this charge, I reviewed the literature to ascertain if any conclusive study had been performed to substantiate this charge. To date, none had been performed. While no conclusive study had been performed to support the environmentalist position, an evaluation of economic theory along with an examination of actual U.S. Patent Office data strongly contradicts the environmentalist view.
Files	Filename       Size       Approximate Download Time (Hours:Minutes:Seconds)     28.8 Modem   56K Modem   ISDN (64 Kb)   ISDN (128 Kb)   Higher-speed Access  SimsThesis1.pdf 66.48 Kb 00:00:18 00:00:09 00:00:08 00:00:04 < 00:00:01 SimsThesis2.pdf 62.18 Kb 00:00:17 00:00:08 00:00:07 00:00:03 < 00:00:01 SimsThesis3.pdf 88.41 Kb 00:00:24 00:00:12 00:00:11 00:00:05 < 00:00:01 SimsThesis4.pdf 308.34 Kb 00:01:25 00:00:44 00:00:38 00:00:19 00:00:01 SimsThesis5.pdf 121.71 Kb 00:00:33 00:00:17 00:00:15 00:00:07 < 00:00:01 indicates that a file or directory is accessible from the Virginia Tech campus network only.

If you have questions or technical problems, please Contact DLA.