LAUSR

This paper examines the Kyoto Protocol's impact on the international diffusion of renewable energy technologies. Using patent application data from 133 countries from 1990 to 2013, we find that the Kyoto Protocol increased international patent applications from the countries with emission targets. When we focus on countries with more stringent targets, the effect of the Kyoto Protocol is even stronger. We find a similar effect in international patent applications to four developing countries that are large emitters of greenhouse gases (GHGs): China, India, Brazil, and Mexico. These results suggest that the Kyoto Protocol stimulated international patenting activities from countries that are committed to stringent targets for climate mitigation.