[Part 1 can be found here]
Technology Commercialization Factors
Closely related to market factors are aspects of the inventions themselves. Is the invention narrow or broad? Amazon’s “1-Click” patent notwithstanding, broad inventions tend to be more valuable than very narrow inventions. There are several reasons for this: in the aggregate, royalties and/or damages in infringement cases may be higher for broad compared with narrow inventions and portfolios. Broad patents may make it difficult for competitors to “patent around” the inventions or to find new ways of solving a given problem that are as effective and efficient as the patented technologies. In addition, depending on the evolution of relevant markets, more parties may infringe broad than narrow patents.
Business Implications
- Is the invention best thought of as a component of some larger product or service?
- Is the invention sufficient to be the basis of a new product or service offering?
- If component technology, who makes or would make the whole product?
- Do prospective customers have a history of incorporating technologies from other sources or are they a “not invented here” culture?
- Do prospective customers have a history of acquiring patents and if so, at what valuation?
- Are there competing technologies that solve the immediate problem and if so, are those solutions more or less costly, or easier to manufacture?
- How long does it typically take to get a “design win” in the relevant industry?
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