With regard to China's increasing competence and relevance in R&D and High-tech, the global management of innovation and intellectual property becomes more and more important. This does not only concern the registration and management of intellectual property rights such as patents, trademarks, design and utility patents or copyrights. It is crucial to transform innovation into intellectual property and intellectual property into business results. Therefore, intellectual property has to be generated, protected, and managed - especially in the context of international R&D-cooperation. The basis are always corresponding innovation and IP strategies that are derived from the company's corporate strategy.
In times of fierce international competition, the penetration of business sectors, and shortened cycles of innovation, a professional innovation and IP management is a crucial factor in the global competition.
Main questions of innovation and IP management in China are:
- Which Chinese companies are relevant for R&D and innovation?
- Which technologies, methods, designs, and contents do they possess?
- Which trademarks did they register where?
- How can these IPR be evaluated?
- Are there chances, risks, and restrictions within the business utilization?
- How can a possible R&D cooperation be arranged?
- How should authorizations, property rights, costs, and benefits be shared?
- How does a fair trademark management look like?
By using a professional innovation and IP management, Western companies can considerably improve their competitive position and reach a higher value added on global markets. Moreover, legal disputes about IPR infringements can often be avoided by innovation and IP management.