Is it the firm, the innovator, or the innovation? Determinants of perceived non-imitability leading to unprotected intellectual property

Abstract

Why are innovators in creative industries often not concerned about their unprotected intellectual properties? Based on a unique dataset obtained from an extensive survey among one, two and three-starred Italian chefs, we explore the determinants of a creator’s lack of concern about the imitation of their innovations. Several determinants are identified. We confirm that the lack of fear of imitation and, thus, the lack of need for further IP protection, is associated with organizational strategies for the management of new ideas. Furthermore, this lack of fear of imitation is motivated by the innovator’s strategies aimed at product differentiation and client loyalty. Interestingly, in all the models estimated with the two samples considered (full sample and 2 and 3-starred chefs only), the most robust driver of innovators’ peace of mind is their own perception that innovative creation is a spontaneous, individual, innovator-specific process.