In our knowledge-based economy, Intellectual Property (IP) management is of strategic importance as it is proving to be the primary driver of corporate earnings. According to some experts, over 85% of the market valuation of the S&P 500 is represented by intangible assets. However, as a result of budgetary constraints and the lack of an easily demonstrable cause-and-effect relationship between investments in IP protection and management efforts, and revenues, many companies may be foregoing investment in IP management and allowing valuable IP to go unprotected, or its value to be under-realized.
At its core, a successful IP management plan will create an IP monopoly that is valid and enforceable since, ultimately, the value of a technology will be a direct measure of its chances for success in litigation. Therefore, I regularly counsel clients to adopt an aggressive stance towards exploitation. Companies should identify existing IP assets and ongoing research that might be exploited in view of market demand, decide how it can best be protected legally, identify routes to commercial development, and secure and negotiate with appropriate development partners. In addition, I urge clients to consider enforceability upfront and throughout the process of building an IP portfolio.
IncrementalAdvantage [1] is now putting on a conference “Managing Intellectual Property for Maximum Returns [1]” to be held in New York City, January 16-17, 2007. This is an opportunity to listen to world-renowned authorities discuss a multitude of methods for deriving value from intellectual assets. You can hear the best strategies for managing and monetizing your patent portfolio as well as learn how to turn your company’s IP portfolio from a dormant asset into a dynamic asset.
To register, call Neomi Barazani at 609-919-1895 x100, or email neomi@incrementaladvantage.com [2].
Unless you’re a Patent Troll [3], then never mind.