Intellectual Property as the Driver for Investment
In our latest January issue of Business & Innovation Magazine (pages 64-71) we focus on businesses protecting their IP. (pages 64-71)
For those brave enough to write and file a patent themselves, it can cost just a few hundred pounds. The filing and examination costs are heavily subsidised by the patent office as they want to encourage innovation.
However this is a skill and unless you’re well versed in the art, few patent amateurs will successfully be able to capture the subtleties around an idea to secure its protection, so using the services of a good patent lawyer will really help. While this could cost a few thousand pounds, in the long run it will be money well spent as you’re more likely to be able to defend the end result.
Let a patent attorney take the strain...
We spoke to Amanda Simons, Partner in the Oxford office of national patent firm, J A Kemp. Amanda is a particular expert on the pharmaceutical and medtech sectors, areas which some investment companies veer away from because the return on investment often takes longer.
“Some start-ups in these sectors feel they need to secure intellectual property (IP) before they go for investment, but it’s not always necessary,” said Amanda.
“A savvy investor won’t be scared off by an idea that hasn’t got IP yet, as long as the company or inventor has an awareness of what they need to do to and are working towards securing IP in the longer term.”
In fact, Amanda says that securing IP on a product early isn’t always the right thing to do.
“If you file your application too early, before proof of concept, it’s a risk to getting IP granted at all. “I’ll often advise a company not to file too early before they have enough data and recommend working with an IP attorney who can undertake an audit to look at what you’ve got and what you should be looking at.”
Amanda adds that there is funding available for IP audits from various organisations such as Innovate Edge.
“From an investment perspective, a company is often more attractive if it’s got an IP strategy, but it doesn’t necessarily need to have its IP filed, let alone granted.”
Whatever business you are in, you create and use intellectual property all the time. To realise the full potential of your business, you need to maximise the value of your IP and manage your IP assets on an ongoing basis.
For technology-based companies, a lack of patents or other intellectual property can make for an uphill battle when it comes to securing financing.
Amanda is a patent attorney with over 20 years’ professional experience focused on the pharmaceutical and medtech sectors, including medical sensors and other medical equipment. She also has experience in a broad range of chemical technologies including polymers, alloys and glasses. Amanda routinely advises on overall patent strategy and portfolio management, including due diligence and freedom to operate matters.
At J A Kemp, we will work with you to understand your business and help you put a strategy in place that ensures your IP meets your commercial needs now and in the future.
For investors, information discovered during the IP due diligence process can assist in the proper valuation of a deal and offer leverage in negotiations.
Whichever side of the deal you are on, contact us and we can help you understand the value of IP to the business.
Protect Your Inventions
At J A Kemp, we will work with you to understand your business and help you put a strategy in place that ensures your IP meets your commercial needs now and in the future.
For investors, information discovered during the IP due diligence process can assist in the proper valuation of a deal and offer leverage in negotiations.
Whichever side of the deal you are on, contact us and we can help you understand the value of IP to the business.
Oxford is a world leader in innovation. To maximise the value of your inventions you need patent attorneys with the skills to protect them. J A Kemp was described by The Legal 500 2019 as “demonstrating excellent technical prowess matched by legal sophistication.” We apply this across all technologies for clients worldwide. Find us on the Oxford Science Park
Amanda Simons is a partner in the Oxford office, with over 20 years’ professional experience, including an extensive track record in advising start-up companies and working in developing technologies. Amanda’s work focuses on the pharmaceutical and medtech sectors, including anti-microbials, re-purposed drugs, pharmaceutical formulations, medical sensors and other medical equipment.
Contact Amanda at [email protected] or call 01865 406 100
