As an important tool to promote the technical standards for enterprises, a patent alliance can reduce transaction costs and lawsuit disputes as well as accelerate the promotion and application of proprietary technologies. Moreover, it can enlarge the installed base and influence consumers’ expectations by exploiting the network effects of technical standards. As a result, it can be one of the most effective paths to resolve the problem of patent thicket and promote innovation. Based on several theories with respect to the network effects, this study analyzed the connotation and composition of network effects for technical standards and constructed a concept model that can influence innovations using a patent alliance. A questionnaire investigation was conducted, and an analysis was performed using the structural equation to examine the factors affecting the innovation of patent tools as well as their acting paths. The main research conclusions of this study are as follows: (1) patent alliance is a double-edged sword for technical innovation. The factors related to the patent alliance and network effect, such as the installation-foundation effect, consumer expectation, and positive feedback effect, promote innovation. However, the lock-in effect in the network effect hinders the innovation. (2) Identification of intellectual property and partners is the key factor that influences patent alliance innovation. (3) Standardization strategies and the government play the least role among all innovation factors influencing patent alliance.

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