Growing Complexity Intellectual Property Management
Trends Report
© 2015 Wellspring Worldwide Inc.
IP filings continue to break records. Initial data suggests that 2015 will set new records in the number of IP filings worldwide. New players enter the game. An ever increasing mix of countries enter the coveted “most innovative list” as more patents are produced overseas. More markets = more problems. Non-domestic filings are more important than ever. Globalization is only possible when ideas are protected at home and abroad. Bring on the red tape. The downside is greater regulation, great administrative burden, and higher costs associated with IP management. Software can deliver the systematic approach to identify your opportunities, reach your maximum portfolio value, and mitigate potential risk.
9.2% Growth 2.6 Million Patent Applications
WIPO reported the highest growth rate in 18 years for new patent
applications.
This growth reflects the larger trend of corporations seeking
legal protection for any potential competitive advantage.
Going up
Source: WIPO’s World Intellectual Property Indicators, 2013
Source: IP5 Statistics Report, 2012
Approximately 1.98 million patent applications were filed at the world’s top 5 offices in 2012.
Global Trend Growth Among Top 5 Offices
The graph to the left illustrates that growth over time. Notice the acceleration after 2009.
Great ideas come from everywhere
International
Bloomberg ranked their annual list of most innovative countries, and came up with some surprising results. . . South Korea earned the top spot while Denmark, Sweden, and Finland all landed within the top ten. China, however, proved to be the single largest contributor to global intellectual property.
Going Global
Source: Bloomberg Business 2014 – 30 Most innovative countries
China Dragon on the rise
Excluding China, patent applications would have only grown 4%.
Firms are scrambling to protect themselves in the red hot Chinese market
Chinese Patents
Source: WIPO World Intellectual Property Indicators 2014 Report
Covering all the bases
Protection
Looking Abroad Non-resident Patents
Growth in foreign markets One of the most striking trends is the growth in filings in non-resident markets. Protection is increasingly a concern for firms looking to do business overseas and across borders
Source: WIPO’s World Intellectual Property Indicators, 2014
Australia, Mexico, and Indonesia All saw greater than 80% of patent applications come from non-residential sources
Not Just China
Source: WIPO World Intellectual Property Indicators 2014 Report
Firms are forced to file in markets big and small, all across the globe
Administrative burden
The Cost
The data shows that not only are IP filings increasing in number, they are being created in more locations, and filed in a greater number of patent authorities worldwide. Your IP strategy will have to take these factors into account moving forward. The question is, can you handle the additional complexities while maximizing your IP value? Smart firms understand that IP strategy needs to be front and center. Defining a process, tracking intangible assets, and adopting a systematic approach are key to remaining competitive.
Adapt or Die
Maximize the value of your intellectual asset portfolio with intelligent software. • Leverage your intellectual property effectively • Protect your assets globally • Streamline your workflow Learn how at Wellspring.com
© 2015 Wellspring Worldwide Inc.
