Intellectual property: rich by-product of intellectual capital

摘要

Intellectual capital is becoming recognized as the most important component of a company's value. Intellectual capital is defined by its proponents as knowledge that can be converted into profits. A FORTUNE magazine article written by Thomas A.Stewart, defines intellectual capital as the "intellectual material - knowledge, information, intellectual property, experience - that can be put to use to create wealth,"Other publications recently have published pieces which discuss this new interest in the strategic utilization of intellectual capital. As shown in the foregoing quote, intellectual property is an important component of intellectual capital. Recently theflurry of legal activity, especially around the Internet, is placing companies on notice that they need an intellectual property policy. Most technology companies generate intellectual property during the implementation of their corporate strategy. Awell-thought-out policy to create, protect and deploy intellectual property will improve the company's gross profits. This principal applies, of course, across all industries.Intellectual property is best managed by a team comprised of intellectual property savvy business managers, technology directors and patent attorney(s) who formulate and implement the intellectual property policy and strategy that best complements thecompany's core business strategy. The intellectual property strategy also should address methods to protect products and branding.