Recession Not Easy On IP
You know times are tough when there is more than just the occasional article discussing intellectual property issues. We think IP is cool, exciting stuff but it’s not a big seller of newspapers and magazines. (Ironically, these are the folks that should consider selling IP to supplement their obsolete business model.) Bloomberg and Bank Systems Technology each published interesting articles on the subject today.
The Bloomberg article, Cash Strapped Technology Small Caps Hold Patent Sales, makes two interesting points. Applications for IP transfers are up 20% in the US and 41% in the UK. Companies are licensing and selling even their most valuable assets. Apparently, executives are digging deep into the asset side of the balance sheet, even to the ones you can’t see, feel or hear, to find new ways to make money and survive the recession.
The second article’s descriptive headline speaks for itself — Banks’ Intellectual Property at Great Risk Amid Layoffs. What could very well be the most valuable assets in the company, intangible assets are at great risk and the most difficult to protect. The contents of the database are probably more valuable than the computer network, and a disgruntled employee can download it onto a memory disk and walk out with it in his shirt pocket. In recessionary times knowledge economy assets require more attention.
The articles are especially good timing for 2i. Both presage important topics that 2i will cover in its February survey of internet-reliant companies and the role intangible assets play in their strategy. The results of the survey should offer insight into how internet companies identify, value, protect, and exploit their intangible property. If you have not received an email from 2i about the survey, and wish to participate and receive the report at no cost, please contact us at brad@intangibleinsights.com.
Hat tip to Tom Bengston, a friend of 2i, who emailed us the links above.
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