Innovation and IP Management

Managing innovation and intellectual property had become more important given China's increasing competence in R&D and high tech. This includes the registration and management of intellectual property rights such as patents, trademarks, design and utility patents, and copyrights. It is crucial to transform innovation into intellectual property and intellectual property into business results. Intellectual property must be carefully generated, protected, and managed - not least in the context of international R&D partnerships.

Companies involved in and IP management in China should ask:

• Which Chinese companies are relevant for R&D and innovation?
• Which technologies, methods, designs, and contents do the companies possess?
• Which trademarks are registered and where?
• How can these IP rights be evaluated?
• Are there opportunities, risks, and restrictions within the business utilization?
• How can R&D partnerships be arranged?
• How should authorizations, property rights, costs, and benefits be shared?
• What does a fair trademark management look like?

By using a professional innovation and IP management strategy, American companies can considerably improve their competitive position and achieve a higher added value on global markets. Moreover, legal disputes about IP right infringements can often be avoided by innovation and IP management.