In smaller companies, there are often large potential values hidden in routines, technology and methods that employees and management take for granted. By identifying and formalising these assets, a business can give itself better opportunities to benefit from its competitive advantages, create a larger capital base to borrow towards, and possibly expand its patent portfolio. Erik Johanneson and Erik Oskarsson have extensive experience in helping companies with just that, and in March they will tell you more about what they call "Patent Identification Workshops" in two free webinars, which they regularly agree with different companies.
Business models always consist of a combination of routines, technology and methods that in one way or another create value. Since the interaction between the different components can be complicated, it is often difficult to identify exactly where the value is created. However, for those who manage to isolate their value creators, it can be extremely beneficial, as it means that you can take control of the value-creating process. In the identification, ownership arises, and what is sometimes called "dead capital" comes alive.
Formalising the assets at your disposal creates better conditions for your own growth. Suddenly you can value the company for better loan terms or show a patent to potential investors. It also provides the opportunity for better allocation of resources internally, as it allows different assets to be set against each other according to their strengths, weaknesses and potential. For example, two loosely defined technical ideas can be very difficult to compare; two patents, on the other hand, can be valued, provided as collateral in the case of loans or sold. By establishing control early on, you can sleep better at night.
"The fact that not all companies do this type of mapping", says Erik Johanneson, "is often about a perceived lack of time. But the results of a three-hour workshop can be astounding." For companies that already have a well-defined IP strategy, a targeted approach to IP identification can lead to the discovery of new assets, or to a realisation that the assets they already know have inadequate protection. By breaking down a business model into technology trees and identifying more specific value-creating points, you can increase the accuracy of the IP you have already invested in.
For companies without an established IP strategy, the benefits may be even greater. "When we have workshops with new companies", says Erik Oskarsson, "we help them break down their business model into technology trees. Often we can identify patentable technology, but even when this is not the case, customers get a better overview of their technology. Then they can make more informed decisions when it comes to establishing an effective and long-term IP strategy".
On 16 and 30 March, Erik Johannesson and Erik Oskarsson will hold two webinars where they go through the process of IP Identification.
On 16 March the webinar is aimed at smaller companies that want to learn more about how to identify and formalise intangibles within the company, with the aim of creating a solid capital base to grow towards. Erik and Erik will also discuss basic IP strategy and what is required to build long-term asset portfolios.
On 30 March they will deal with the entire process of IP management in more general terms, and is aimed at larger companies with established IP. The focus will be on "proactivity" in IP management, i.e. how to systematise the work of identifying, structuring and creating IP in a long-term sustainable way.
You can register here. Both webinars will be held in Swedish.
