Question

Historically, in the United States, there have been major surges in new patent filings after which of the following?

a) Economic downturns
b) Wars
c) Technological advancements
d) Political stability

Answer 1

In the United States, major surges in new patent filings have historically occurred after technological advancements, such as the invention of the internet in the mid-1990s.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the United States, major surges in new patent filings have historically occurred after technological advancements. One example is the invention of the internet in the mid-1990s, which led to many other inventions and a significant increase in patent applications. Figure 13.4 from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office shows how the number of patent applications filed and granted surged during this time and continues to increase today. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office typically issues more than 150,000 patents annually in recent years, indicating a strong trend in technological innovation and patent filings.