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In Pursuit of Patents

By Michael Montembeau
February 01, 2004

There is little doubt that protecting one's intellectual property is important for businesses both large and small. Statistically, 60% of the market valuation of the average industrial corporation is based on its intellectual property and that figure rises to 80% for high-tech companies. Patents make up a large slice of the intellectual property pie in any technology-driven company. Filing a patent, however, is not the end of protecting your technology. Indeed, it is just the beginning. A key ingredient to the success of any technology-based company lies in effectively managing its patent portfolio. One important and often overlooked aspect of managing your patent portfolio is patent tracking.

According to John B. Jones, Jr., Managing Director at Salomon Smith Barney, many companies lack the necessary diligence in keeping an eye on new technologies. “Over the long haul, businesses must continuously innovate to sustain product leadership. However, many are still practicing or analyzing innovation in an undisciplined or irrelevant manner.” “Patents and Market Value Forecasting,” Anthony Breitzman, Ph.D., The Annual International Conference of the Society of Competitive Intelligence Professionals, March 15, 2003, Anaheim, CA.

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