Intellectual Property: Financial and Strategic Management

Catalog description

In today's innovation-driven economy, intellectual property (IP) is more than just a legal asset-it's a critical driver of business growth, competitive positioning, and corporate valuation. From high-stakes patent battles in 5G and biotech to billion-dollar IP-driven acquisitions, companies across industries are leveraging their IP portfolios to shape markets and outpace competitors. However, many key IP decisions are often made by lawyers without meaningful input from business leaders. This course empowers executives, entrepreneurs, and decision-makers with the tools to actively manage and monetize IP assets. Through case studies, strategic frameworks, and real-world applications, participants will learn how to evaluate, protect, and commercialize IP to drive business success. Whether navigating IP licensing, investment strategies, or technology partnerships, this course provides the insights needed to transform intellectual property into a strategic advantage. Through a combination of case studies (including a group strategy project), analysis of current events, academic literature, class discussion, and guest speakers, we will cover a variety of issues shaping a successful IP strategy in today's global business environment. Topics covered include: - Creating a corporate IP position; - Understanding the forces shaping the global IP marketplace; - IP ownership challenges in the age of AI; - Using big data analytics in making IP decisions; - IP strategy for startups and investors; - Managing corporate IP risk; - IP monetization business models (e.g., licensing, sale, enforcement, spin-offs); - IP valuation and current trends in pricing; - IP considerations in Mergers & Acquisitions; - Trademark & Brand management; - Copyright licensing (open source, content licensing) - Managing data & emerging digital assets (e.g., NFTs, Blockchain tokens)