EMERGING COMPETITORS IN EMERGING MARKETS: WHAT PATENT APPLICATIONS REVEAL

摘要

Strategic business decisions begin with assessments of market need, value proposition and differentiation, profit potential and sustainability. Predicting the future implies uncertainty and emerging markets often push forecasting into the realm of guesses and hunches. However, structured analysis of published patents and patent applications provides valuable insight into strategies, aspirations and expected competitive positions long before the first sale in an emerging market. Using MEMS packaging as an example, the authors show how in emerging markets pending patent applications often out number issued patents and then demonstrate how careful study of public databases for published patent applications yield a detailed picture of anticipated competitive environments as well as quantification of market trends and growth expectations. Finally, the authors apply the IP landscaping method to developing a strategic framework useful for investment, market development and strategic alliance planning.