Companies build up their portfolio by applying
for more patents. In addition, they are licensing and cross-licensing
technology. In both cases, companies with a strong portfolio are generally
in a better position to
negotiate.
But to maximize the value of their intellectual
assets, companies must understand how they support enterprise business
strategy, protect
current or future product positions, provide
competitive advantage, and add
value through creative, nontraditional applications.
Finally, the company's intellectual asset
management strategy must be formulated with an understanding of the
topography of the IP world, either by geography or type of industry.
