This paper tests the impact of the reinforcement of IPRs, and in
particular of the TRIPS agreement, on technological collaborations
between emerging and advanced countries using international patent
databases (EPO and USPTO). Technological collaborations generate
knowledge flows between inventors through interpersonal and face to face
contacts. This paper covers eleven emerging economies: Argentina,
Brazil, India, Israel, China, South Korea, South Africa, Mexico,
Malaysia, Singapore, Turkey and the G7 countries: USA, UK, Japan, Italy,
Germany, France and Canada. We use a modified version of a gravity
model. Our preliminary evidence suggests that there may be some positive
effects on international collaborations generated by the reinforcement
of IPRs in emerging countries and in particular by the TRIPs agreements.
Other results indicate that IPR strengthening has a greater impact on
the international patent collaboration greater is the value of the
bilateral imports.