Abstract:The investment model of R&D project with patent is developed in the paper. The R&D investment process divides into two stages by the characteristics of R&D investment process. The research stage is considered as an European option. The development stage is considered as an American perpetual option. Therefore the investment opportunity in R&D can be thought of as a compound option. The analytic valuation formula for the R&D option and optimal investment policy are derived. It is discussed that the effect of the patent breadth on the R&D option value and R&D investment policy, and presents the condition to apply for a patent