(461a) Functionality Thinking to Improve Licensing in and out

When we are thinking about intellectual property, either our own or someone else's, we tend to think in terms of the industry or technology of immediate concern. An invention is either a new composition of matter or a new way of doing something useful. This latter characteristic we can describe as functionality. We too often get overly technical in our descriptions, and overly focused around the chemistry or industry of concern.

If we think about what is being done in the simplest of terms, it can open our eyes to both in-licensing and out-licensing opportunities. For example, chemical process control display manufacturers might be unaware of advancements and technology available in the medical monitoring, video game, or air traffic control display industries. These industries provide opportunities for both acqisition of technology and licensing to non-competitive corporations.

This talk will review the concept of technology functionality and its application to intellectual property, supported by examples.