Anything Under the Sun Made By Man: Reasons Why You Need to Patent

An article on Business Wire has several bullets of good reasons why you need to get patents, specifically software patents.

For example:

-- Investors want to know that the company has a unique product that is protected.

-- The market for a good product compatible with Windows or another standard is potentially huge. A big opportunity plus proprietary position excites investors.

-- Very large damage awards in software patent cases show the potential benefits.

-- A patent portfolio is a shield that discourages litigation attacks. A competitor has to think twice before suing if the target could turn around and counter-sue.

-- Software is at the heart of many technologies, from medical devices to automotive engine control. Core software inventions can be licensed in diverse markets, providing a valuable stream of royalties.

-- Software often encapsulates much of the intangible value a company acquires over the years, from its business processes to analytics to quality assurance.

-- Because the industry is more mature, a successful product or technology today is likely to have a longer life and not be obsolete by the time a patent is granted.

-- Patents help level the playing field and give smaller companies a chance.

The full booklet is here.

Posted by krajec on August 13, 2004 10:10 AM to Anything Under the Sun Made By Man
Copyright 2005, Russell Krajec. All Rights Reserved.