Research Consultants
EXPERTISE
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY (IP)
In the current market, about 80% of a company’s value comes from intangible assets such as intellectual property (IP).
This means that IP plays a crucial role in ensuring an organization’s current and future prosperity. However, there is an art to building and managing an IP portfolio which will fulfill that role. Building a strong IP portfolio begins with acquiring an understanding of the relevant technology and the patent landscape surrounding it.
At Eyal Research Consultants we help our clients acquire that understanding by beginning with a thorough search of patent, scientific and technical literature followed by comprehensive analysis of what was previous known in the field. The followed step is an analysis of the client’s own technology.
First, the patent landscape is mapped. The landscape is an overview of published patents and patents applications within the same technology spectrum as the proposed invention.
Once the landscape is understood, patentability of the proposed invention must be evaluated in terms of novelty, inventive step and utility.
In many cases, understanding patentability involves identification of “white spaces” which are areas where a product may be designed that does not infringe an existing patent. Such a product can become subject of a patent application. Part of the art of portfolio management is drafting an application that fills the white space, even though the proposed product may occupy only a small portion of the space.
Conversely, freedom to operate (FTO) within the landscape must be reviewed. Once the client’s proposed product is defined, an analysis to determine whether that product is potentially infringing the IP rights of others must be conducted. If potential infringement issues are discovered, redesign of the product or acquisition of a license to one or more patents may be necessary.
Once the product concept has been finalized, a patent application can be drafted. A strong application will be constructed to withstand legal scrutiny during future enforcement proceedings while affording the owner the broadest scope of protection available in view of the patent landscape.
current position and future goals in terms of IP
Building a strong portfolio and even filing just one patent, involves difficult decisions.
For clients with an existing IP portfolio, Eyal Research Consultants can perform an audit of the patent portfolio or on specific patents (or patent families) and provide suggestions on how to increase the patents and all portfolio value in terms of business development. These suggestions can include pursuing patent protection on additional aspects of products or core technologies, monetizing portions of the portfolio directed to technologies which are now peripheral to the client’s core technology via license or sale and reducing costs by identifying redundant or irrelevant IP which can be safely abandoned or sold.
Alternatively or additionally, Eyal Research Consultants can help a client implement in-house procedures which allow management to take a more active role in portfolio management by developing a better understanding of the company’s current position and future goals in terms of IP.