big mistake — software IP “just happens”

From Bizz Bang Buzz:

“For many software companies, intellectual property just happens. Programmers write code. Sales staff find customers. Executives book revenues. The company may have a sales strategy and a long-range view of technology, but the legal protection of its intellectual property becomes an after-thought — a strategic orphan. Big mistake.

Companies that do not identify risks early, if not immediately, pay dearly when the day comes that a potential buyer or investor tries valuing the company’s core asset — its software. The strategy need not harmonize with every syllable of the business plan. However, the software protection regime must be more than a three-line checklist of patent filing deadlines, or the occasional piece of hate mail threatening to sue over pilfered computer code.” 

Management of IP assets is the new frontier for management and corporate boards.  Development and protection of IP is a fundamental and strategic role and function of corporate management — failure to do so is tantamount to misuse of corporate assets and could leave management open to shareholder actions. 

You may be interested in reading the following related posts:

1. New Blog to Check Out: Financial Aspects of Intellectual Property
2. should you copyright your source code?
3. OUTSOURCING: AN INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MINEFIELD
4. in-licensing drives innovation
5. IP Rights in Software

Posted by Douglas Sorocco, October 3, 2004 at 12:09 pm
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