Investigating dimensions and role of intellectual property in open innovation process emphasizing on available procedures

For decades, a kind of innovation has been applied and growing, referred to as open innovation. Open innovation is a concept in contrast to closed innovation, which refers to the use of outside resources to accelerate innovation, reduce risks and increase efficiency. In this type of innovation where multiple actors exchange ideas, knowledge and technology with heterogeneous interests, one of the most controversial issues is the role and place of intellectual property. The key question is whether intellectual property principles encourage open innovation or hinder it? And if intellectual property play an effective role in this process, then how will it be able to play its role? In this paper, it is shown by a descriptive-analytical approach that despite different and opposing theories and arguments, a strong intellectual property system can facilitate open innovation. However, due to the shortcomings or legal gaps in open innovation’s intellectual property, it is necessary to use alternative methods that amongst available approaches, defense invention patent model can provide more assurance for open innovation communities.