R&D and Product Development

Product development entails the refinement of ideas into processes. Companies aim to develop products which are superior to the ones already on the market. After a difference between that which is new and that which has already been known has been attained through product development, this can often be protected by IP rights.

Before product development is started, it is important to be familiar with the IPR environment of the product. Patent publications are an important source of information. From these publications, conclusions may be drawn on what kind of properties the competitors are planning to add to their products and how these have been protected. Based on this information, the company can target its own strategy.

For instance the following matters are discussed in the training:

• Objects, implementation and cost-effectiveness of product development
• Measures before product development is started
• Mapping and safeguarding the company’s operational environment: Competitor monitoring and mapping the competitors’ IPR strategy
• Examination of competitors, lines of business and products: Local and global competitors by products and by areas
• Standing out from competitors: Recognizing own strengths and competitive advantage
• Protection of know-how and rights
• Creation and implementation of protection strategy
• Cornering new markets by distinguishable protected technologies, products and services
• Subcontracting
• Development and management of IPR capital
• Activating IPR capital
• Strengthening image that the company portrays to investors, interest groups and customers

After the training, the participants are able to integrate IPR strategy and policy with their product development projects.