Itchkawitz B.S.
KNOBBE, MARTENS, OLSON & BEAR LLP, US
Keywords: intellectual property, patent, strategy
Effective patent portfolios provide a competitive advantage to high-tech companies by (i) protecting the company’s core technologies or “crown jewels,” (ii) defining areas of exclusivity and barriers to entry to the marketplace by competitors, (iii) attracting venture capital investors, and (iv) providing licensing opportunities. However, developing and using an effective patent portfolio requires careful planning so as to protect the company’s existing and potential markets.
Start-up companies can benefit from a cost-effective patent strategy so as to make the most out of limited funds to develop the portfolio to be in line with the business objectives of the company and to respond to competitors. Development of the patent strategy includes identifying the business goals, evaluating the technological landscape, performing an audit to identify the company’s IP assets, and deciding how best to protect these assets. Regular meetings of patent counsel with heads of business development and technology development are valuable for tuning the portfolio to respond to developments so as to achieve the business goals of the company.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 3, Technical Proceedings of the 2006 NSTI Nanotechnology Conference and Trade Show, Volume 3
Published: May 7, 2006
Pages: 344 - 344
Industry sector: Sensors, MEMS, Electronics
Topic: MEMS & NEMS Devices, Modeling & Applications
ISBN: 0-9767985-8-1