Evergreening is the strategic extension of the duration of a temporary monopolistic or
market dominant position by means of IP strategies, and in practice patent strategies
particularly. This paper explores the evergreening phenomenon. After an introductory
description of evergreening and its associated innovation and IP policy issues, the paper
provides a literature review. We further present one case of the pharmaceutical blockbuster
drug Losec (Omeprazol) that became the world’s best selling drug from 1996 to 2000. The
case is accompanied by short evergreeing examples based on other IPRs such as trade
marks. A theoretical part discusses different types of evergreening approaches along with
simple models. The paper ends with a discussion of implications for managerial counterstrategies and innovation and IP policies
