Chris H. Stoessel1, Pamela Boling2
2StoesselConsulting / SputterTek LLC, Bodega Bay, CA
2Patent Attorney, Santa Rosa, CA
Intellectual property (IP) in the form of patents or trade secrets plays a significant role in enhancing the value of business opportunities in the thin films and surface engineering technology space.
While typically perceived as an internal business operation to expand sales, IP also plays a significant role in attracting third party financing or new business partnerships. Whether an established business with an existing IP portfolio is seeking a capital infusion, or academically derived IP may be considered for a new start-up, potential investors will carefully examine the strength of IP (among many other factors) to determine the attractiveness of the opportunity.
This talk will provide a brief overview (primarily within the scope of United States patent law) of typical assessment criteria that can improve or diminish the perceived value of IP. The take-aways are not only relevant for investment or acquisition scenarios but may provide helpful guidance for “best business practices” regarding IP in general.