FROM PATENT TO PROFIT Patents and patent strategies are increasingly pertinent to the success of information age businesses, from affecting valuations to gaining tax advantages to increasing the starting price per share when taking a company public. Patent Strategy illustrates the impact patents can have on technology-driven businesses' tactical and strategic efforts. Here is step-by-step guidance to the patent process, the laws, and basic strategies-from a business-goal perspective-so that middle and upper-level managers can recognize the significance of patents in relation to a particular business and can incorporate proper patent management efforts into their business framework. In addition, this book serves as an invaluable reference for management and executives when making patent-related decisions such as whether a patent infringement study must be performed; whether the budget for patent matters should be increased or decreased; whether attempts should be made to license certain patent technology; and whether the firm should sue for patent infringement. * Case studies throughout the book give you a specific business context within which to consider the concepts introduced * Statistics are presented to assist you in assessing various issues, planning patent strategies, and implementing patent management programs

This book provides a strategic framework for cost efficient engineering of market moving patent portfolios by organizing patent engineering efforts around the problems that innovators solve for their customers and not the technologies developed to solve these problems. Patents are a vital asset in the modern business world. They allow patent holders to introduce new products in to a market while deterring other market players from simply copying innovative features without making comparable investments in research and development. In years past, a few patents may have provided adequate protection. That is no longer the case. In today's world, it is critical that innovative companies protect the features of their products that give them a competitive advantage with a family or portfolio of patents that are strategically generated to protect the market position of the patent holder. A patent portfolio that deters competitors from introducing competitive products in a timely manner can be worth billions of dollars. Anything less than this is an expensive and possibly fatal distraction. This book provides a strategic framework for cost efficient engineering of patent portfolios that protect your investments in research and development and that extend the market advantages that these investments provide. The book illustrates the use of the problem centric framework to enable the efficient creation of individual patents and patent portfolios that have significant value in and by themselves and allow a company to control its product market. It also introduces the concept of a patent engineer whose role it is to organize input from legal, business and technical communities and organize portfolios and patents using the problem centric framework.

Patents are a vital asset in the modern business world. They allow patent holders to introduce new products in to a market while deterring other market players from simply copying innovative features without making comparable investments in research and development. In years past, a few patents may have provided adequate protection. That is no longer the case. In today's world, it is critical that innovative companies protect the features of their products that give them a competitive advantage with a family or portfolio of patents that are strategically generated to protect the market position of the patent holder. A patent portfolio that deters competitors from introducing competitive products in a timely manner can be worth billions of dollars. Anything less than this is an expensive and possibly fatal distraction. This book provides a strategic framework for cost efficient engineering of patent portfolios that protect your investments in research and development and that extend the market advantages that these investments provide.

As individuals and companies realise the importance of their inventions, issues surrounding patent laws and practices are taking centre stage around the world. Patent Strategy introduces researchers to patent applications and patent portfolios. With minimum use of ‘legal jargon’ it provides the technical professional with the assistance and advice they require to understand the legal complexities that they may encounter before and during a patent application. It also discusses the responsibilities of the researcher after patent applications have been filed and the role the researcher can play in the maintenance of a global patent estate. This updated edition of the best selling book has been expanded to keep pace with modern day movements and addresses the global issue surrounding intellectual property. Including new information on areas such as software and biotechnology it shows the techniques that can be used by individuals and academic inventors to protect their work and is the ideal reference source. Bridges the gap between the legal system and scientific research and avoids legal jargon Details the reasons behind patents, their importance and relevance to all researchers and the strategy needed for filing for a patent Focuses on the strategy and reasons rather than just being a textbook of patent law Presents an overview of tools a researcher can use while working with a patent attorney or agent Adopts a readable style that explains the basics right up to developing a strategy Essential reading for all those who wish to keep pace and protect their work Reviews from previous edition: "...I can recommend it for technology managing types. Does a nice job of explaining many aspects of the patent system and patent strategies with a minimum of jargon and case citations..." —Internet Patent News "...provides an enlightened approach to a complex subject. It is relatively easy to read and follow..." — Polymers Paint and Colour Journal "This handy book provides the researcher with useful guidance on how to maximize the benefit of their inventiveness to themselves and their organization". —Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology

In a world where your intellectual property is your most valuable asset, patents are becoming an essential tool for achieving and maintaining a competitive edge. With billions of dollars at stake, companies are defending their patents vigorously; high-profile cases, such as Microsoft's $900 million patent dispute settlement with Sun Microsystems, and Medtronic's acquisition of a competitor's entire patent portfolio for $1.35 billion, are cases in point. While most companies will not operate at this level, the strategic management of patents, and the costs of enforcing and defending them, are becomining critical business functions. In this accessible and practical guide, Henry Heines shows readers how to apply due diligence, a common concept in corporate finance and investing, to analyze the costs and benefits of patent management, and to navigate through the legal and technical maze. With dozens of examples from many industries, he walks readers through the various ways in which technological advances can be presented as patentable inventions and in which the patents of competitors can be confronted and evaluated. He also offers guidance in managing a portfolio of patents and inventions, regardless of whether they make it to market as products. A glossary of terms and listing of resources will make this book a handy reference for anyone involved in product development, corporate strategy, or intellectual property.

The book is a coaching guide for anyone interested in intellectual property and those wanting to embark on or develop patent creation. It draws on the authors’ extensive experience and insights from change projects, management and leadership at Nokia. The book guides the reader through each stage of setting up a successful unit, inviting active involvement by asking vital questions about their needs and aims. Focusing on key issues and themes involved, it provides examples, diagrams and models to illustrate how they can be out in to practice. Critical chapters include the core activities of patent creation, possible organisational models, costs, quality and the comparison of external and internal allocation of tasks. Discussion concentrates on how to such define roles and responsibilities and the management techniques of external resources. The book encourages the reader to challenge their current organisational structure and strategy by introducing various methods and tactics that can be deployed when considering patent creation, then offering advice into the pros and cons of techniques and how such methods can be assessed. The book highlights how knowledge and innovation can be utilised and protected, which due to the increased importance of intellectual property rights, especially the use of patents, is essential for every business.

Intellectual property law is currently exploding, as demonstrated by the growth of technology transfer offices in universities. More and more scientists, companies, and institutions are rushing to secure intellectual property rights for their ideas and inventions. This process frustrates many people; patent laws are constantly changing, and most books about them are either overly technical or boring. Protecting Your Ideas: The Inventor's Guide to Patents is a succinct, straightforward guide to the system. This guide presents the steps involved in obtaining patent protection for inventions. It is easy to read and brimming with essential information and advice compounded from FAQs posed by the author's academic and industrial clientele. The text includes tips, warnings, and examples that guide the reader through the invention process so patent rights are not jeopardized. Checklists and other helpful information are provided to assist the inventor preparing to enter the patent process. The book includes valuable resource information and business guidance to protect the inventor from consumer fraud that is sometimes associated with the patent process. Protecting and Idea is a must read for every engineer, scientist, or amateur inventor. - Simple, easy-to-read format demystifies the patent process - Numerous example patents help to illustrate the issues involved - Provides an overview of the types of intellectual property protection - Incorporates up-to-date information about U.S. patent laws - Advises inventors about the do's and don'ts of patenting - Includes useful resources for helping inventors safeguard their ideas