Études de cas sur les PME

Lutter contre la grippe à l'aide des algues rouges

• Les modèles de licence flexibles augmentent les chances de créer des situations gagnant-gagnant.
• Faire appel à un spécialiste de la PI à un stade précoce de la phase de R&D peut améliorer la protection par brevet pour des applications commerciales ultérieures.
• La négociation est le moyen privilégié pour résoudre d'éventuelles questions de contrefaçon ; le litige est considéré comme un dernier recours.
• Les marques peuvent ajouter de la valeur aux brevets et prolonger la protection au-delà de la durée de vie du brevet.

Recycling waste heat to cool down the planet

• University spin-offs need access to the relevant IP early on.
• Patent attorneys must understand the invention and the company's business case.
• Patents help to communicate a company's technical advantage and innovation skills.
• Access to joint inventions without joint patent ownership can be achieved using cross-licensing agreements.

Breathing new life into aerosol drug delivery

• Customers, investors and partners consider it very important for a young company to have strong IP.
• Company scale-up must go hand in hand with IP portfolio-building.
• To successfully commercialise innovative technologies, IP strategy must be clearly laid out and closely aligned with other key business functions.
• Competitor watches and patent searches are essential components of IP management.

At the cutting edge of cardiopulmonary diagnostics

• It is essential to take both internal and external influences on the patent portfolio into account.
• In-depth prior art searches must be conducted early in the creative process and then professionally verified during the patenting procedures.
• External expertise and support is important for obtaining feedback on IP strategy and implementing strategic choices.
• When creating and maintaining an IP portfolio, it is vital to keep costs down without sacrificing quality.

Smart infusion pumps for treating patients at home

• Continuous innovation supported by patents allows technology-based SMEs to compete with large companies.
• Patent protection can help safeguard investments and reduce risk when introducing new products to the market.
• Well-thought-out filing strategies enable companies not only to speed up the granting process but also to postpone decisions where needed.
• Regular searches in patent databases allow companies to monitor competitors and reveal opportunities for future innovations.

Integrating ICT creates solutions for the Internet of Things

• Patents can be used to secure freedom to operate, for example by means of cross-licensing agreements.
• They can contribute value when developing a marketing strategy.
• Options to postpone decisions in the patenting process can be used strategically in order to gain time or to optimise procedural and validation costs.
• Even pending patents can contribute a significant business value.

Snowflake pattern precipitates a new application for antennae

• A proactive, long-term IP strategy which is consistent with the overall corporate vision is essential.
• A patent portfolio based on continuing R&D allows companies to focus on technology licensing and helps secure financing.
• Litigation is a last but important resort when it comes to fighting wilful infringement.
• The Unified Patent Court (UPC) has the potential to remove the disadvantages of the current fragmented European litigation system.

Leveraging IP: from research tools to industry applications

• IP strategy and management skills can help overcome the challenges presented by business model changes.
• Patents can be used to shape a company´s technology competency profile.
• Combining trade secrets and patents can be a cost-efficient and effective way to protect IP.
• Joint ownership of a patent is an acceptable option if there is a clear agreement benefiting both parties.

Capacitance creates a watershed in purification

• Strong patents aligned with a company's products help secure exclusivity in core markets.
• IP strategy should evolve with company development, with IPRs contributing in different ways at different stages.
• Patents can help establish commercial partnerships which provide additional funding, R&D support and new business networks.
• A holistic approach to IP management means constantly developing new and advanced skills and tools.

Capacitance creates a watershed in purification

• Strong patents aligned with a company's products help secure exclusivity in core markets.
• IP strategy should evolve with company development, with IPRs contributing in different ways at different stages.
• Patents can help establish commercial partnerships which provide additional funding, R&D support and new business networks.
• A holistic approach to IP management means constantly developing new and advanced skills and tools.

Additive manufacturing (3D printing) opens a new chapter for ceramics

• A university's IP strategy can have a big impact on the success of any spin-off.
• It is good practice to have dedicated IP managers who take IP issues into account in the course of the company's day-to-day business.
• An open climate can foster employees' creative ideas and channel them into successful projects.
• Even minor technical improvements can meet a market need and be worth patenting.

Pipe repairs that break the rules but not the walls

• Patents can help expand a service company's business model to include high-value products.
• Customers and resellers can provide important information about infringement which can be used to enforce patent rights.
• Integrating IP experts into the core team can help to streamline IP management processes and make them more efficient.
• Customers inputs and IP landscaping can provide vital stimulus for future innovation.