IP Management and the role of an IP Manager

Effective IP Management can provide your business with a foundation from which a competitive advantage can be derived. The issue is not simply one of protection. It must involve the consideration of the most effective means of exploiting your business’ IP, which includes a thorough investigation of the relevant markets and of marketing opportunities.

There are also a number of less tangible potential benefits, which essentially arise because effective IP Management can raise your business’ profile in the business and wider community. These include:

  • The publicity that can arise from a successful product launch
  • A perception that your business is a good place with which ‘to do business’, thereby facilitating wider interaction between your business and the business community
  • A demonstration that your business is contributing to economic development activities, at a local, regional or national level.

Effective IP Management relies upon the appointment of a proficient and well qualified IP Manager. The role of the IP Manager is varied and to a certain extent, is determined by the nature of your business’ commercial interests. In the case of the majority of businesses, the IP Manager will have the following responsibilities:

  • The IP Manager must be able to recognize intellectual property, and be able to differentiate between intellectual property and the relevant intellectual property rights.
  • Once intellectual property has been identified, the IP Manager or his chosen adviser must be able to provide cost effective solutions to protect the intellectual property to the fullest extent possible.
  • Once intellectual property rights are secured, the IP Manager must optimally manage these rights by timely renewals, periodic audits, being alert about breaches and/or infringement, extending the rights to other countries and products or services.
  • In the event of a breach of these rights which may be in the form of infringement, piracy, counterfeiting, passing off or violation of the terms of an agreement, the IP Manager with the advice of his advisers must be able to identify the best possible solution not only to seal the breach but also to prevent its recurrence in the future.
  • The IP Manager with his advisers must be equipped to negotiate and prepare the documents needed for the assignment or licensing of IP rights from one person to another, often from one country to another.
  • The IP Manager is responsible for identifying new technology and ideas, and to progress his company’s business interests. The IP Manager must be able to conduct searches in these areas, map the search results and provide danger free unhindered routes for future growth.

Therefore, the IP Manager assumes several roles in the furtherance of the commercial and technological progress of his business.

ip4all offers a comprehensive IP Management service, which can be tailored to the particulars needs and objectives of your business. For further information about the IP Management service offered by ip4all, along with advice and assistance with regard to the development of an appropriate IP Strategy for your business, please contact ip4all:

By Telephone:
Leeds – 0113 278 9974
Huddersfield – 0148 481 7770
Manchester – 0161 939 0141
Mobile – 0780 054 5089
By e-Mail: auditors@ip4all.co.uk
By Post: 3 – 5 Wormalds Yard, off King Street, Huddersfield HD1 2QR