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Securing IP rights creates increased value and growth for small and medium sized enterprises

Protection of IP assets creates value & growth opportunities for small businesses.  The high stakes and clear evidence that SMEs which hold IP rights prosper, relative to others who do not hold rights, is a persuasive rationale for smaller businesses that they should be taking steps to protect their IP assets.

There is strong evidence that when small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) protect their IP rights, they create increased value and growth for themselves. There is also a strong case for smaller businesses seeking the help of specialist IP professionals.

The case for SMEs taking IP protections more seriously was explored in a video presented by FICPI members from around the world.  This video was one of several initiatives taken by FICPI to recognise World IP Day in 2021, which focused on the needs of small businesses.

In addition to the video, FICPI President Julian Crump had an article published in the magazine of the World IP Organization (WIPO), the body which promotes World IP Day.

FICPI US member, Branko Pejic, had a thought piece published on the same topic, this one in the magazine of the European American Chamber of Commerce in New York (EACCNY). FICPI has joined EEACNY, with Branko leading our member delegation.

In May 2022, the Institute of Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys of Australia (IPTA) published a video highlighting key messages for SMEs in relation to engaging with the patent system for successfully protecting their innovations. 

The materials on this page include case studies, videos, reports and articles for use by all visitors to www.FICPI.org, including SMEs themselves. For FICPI members there is also the FICPI Small Business Kit.

IP Protection fuels growth for SMEs

An EU study in 2021 found that fewer than 9% of SMEs own one of the three main IP rights – compared to 60% of larger firms.  To address this challenge, FICPI marked the occasion of 2021 World IP Day by providing resources to highlight to SMEs the value of protecting their IP assets and why it is more effective to do so with support from a specialist IP attorney. 

Many small businesses do not seek protection or fail in their applications by not seeking specialist help.

Intellectual property assets are where the value is

Thanks to John Orange, past FICPI president and lead author on our report "The IP  Practitioner - Adding Value to Innovation" for spotting this article in The Globe and Mail in which the author highlights that:

Read the full article from The Globe and Mail.

  • "Microsoft has been one of the world's top owners of IP for three decades"
  • "Mr Musk is also a prolific filer of patents in both the auto and space sectors and the owner of countless other forms of IP, such as copyright, trade secrets and industrial designs"
  • "Valuation studies estimate Amazon earned additional annual revenue of US$2.48 billion from its 1-Click patent"!

 

Encouraging SMEs to Engage with the Patent System

At its annual conference in 2022, IPTA “premiered” a video highlighting key messages for SMEs in relation to engaging with the patent system for successfully protecting their innovations.  FICPI is grateful to IPTA for giving us permission to reproduce their video here. 

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IP Case Studies

Image Rheon Labs

SME case study: sophisticated use of patents, designs and trade marks underpins worldwide success

One man’s research and love for outdoor sports has helped drive Rheon Labs into an organisation now employing over 30 people and with investments of millions of pounds raised through their first Series A funding round in 2019. Rheon Labs was founded by the Chief Technology Officer Dr Dan Plant, who is a mechanical engineer and materials scientist, as well as passionate about motocross and reducing injuries in this and other sports where there is a risk of injury from impact. The idea started life with

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Image to illustrate IP rights for design for Acumen

SME case study: shift from consultancy to licensing helps design associates fly high

Specialist aircraft seating designers, Acumen Design Associates, made a momentous decision around 10 years ago. Founded in 1981 and based in London Acumen has become a very successful design consultancy enjoying a worldwide reputation, however, CEO Ian Dryburgh decided to diversify. His decision did not see them move away from working closely in one of their specialist niches of aircraft manufacturers and seat designers.

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Image: Domin Fluid Power

SME case study: the importance of IP when seeking investment

How well protected is the company you’re considering investing in? Domin Fluid Power had just three people on board eight or nine years ago; today they are recognised as a disruptor in the field of hydraulic valves and systems, using additive manufacturing to revolutionise the design of such systems. Domin have a portfolio of different patent rights which were critical when seeking venture capital and other funding, and which are fundamental to their success in producing world class hydraulic solutions.

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Choose a FICPI Member to help you protect your valuable Intellectual Property

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In a fast-moving and competitive global marketplace, innovation is key to a thriving business. Innovation is protected, commercialised and enforced through intellectual property (IP).  

To help you navigate the complex world of IP you need clear and skilled advice from an experienced IP specialist. FICPI members in all countries and regions are independent IP attorneys who have attained a requisite level of skill and experience in helping clients to prepare and file patent and trade mark applications, and satisfy FICPI's admissions criteria for honorable and moral character. 

Click here to find out more about the advantages of using a FICPI member to help you protect your IP assets.  FICPI's Membership Directory Search helps you to find a FICPI near you and allows you to search by area of expertise.

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FICPI is the only international NGO whose membership consists exclusively of IP attorneys in private practice. As a result, the FICPI community is driven by a shared interest to promote solutions and advocacy for private IP practitioners.
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