ABSTRACT
PortfoliosFour forms of IP are summarized in Table 2.1. Although much of the discussion below focuses on patents, which tend to be the dominate component of an IP portfolio for high tech companies, it is important to understand that different forms of IP may be used to build a robust portfolio. As used here, a comprehensive IP portfolio will typically include, at a minimum: • a patent or patents having device and method claims covering the invention; • a trademark protecting the trade name and often trade dress of any product incorporating the underlying patented technology; • copyrights covering any computer code related to the invention and potentially technical documents for products incorporating the patented technology, as well as website domain names associated with the product or company; and • trade secrets that include any confidential information that has commercial value to the company and is not patented or eligible for patent protection.Having a comprehensive portfolio provides an IP owner various options for enforcement. Either prior to forming, or in conjunction with obtaining the comprehensive IP portfolio, strategic planning can maximize the value of the portfolio while minimizing costs associated with building the portfolio.
