Seven Hallmarks of a Rational Global Patent Strategy

Faced with ever-shrinking budgets and mounting pressure from the C-suite to demonstrate intellectual property (IP) value, many enterprises have jettisoned a once-prevailing global patent strategy: “File anywhere in the world where we or our competitors manufacture or sell products.” Though relatively less expensive, a more selective approach may still incur substantial patent filing, prosecution, and maintenance costs, consuming resources that could be allocated to more impactful IP strategies.

In addition, electing to file more selectively than in the past does not necessarily equate to an optimal global patent strategy. Indeed, patent filing and maintenance decisions may remain superficial, driven more by opinions and misconceptions than by rationality.

In contrast, a rational strategy considers factors such as claim scope, the competitive landscape, product revenue, and enforceability of patents in jurisdictions of interest. Enterprises that embed more rationality in their global patent strategy are likely to realize a higher return on their IP investment.

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