<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nIt is well-known in the IP industry that patents are expensive. Therefore, one must aim to create a solid and effective patent portfolio which is in line with the business goals and budget requirements. In order to do so, one must seek advice from skilled and seasoned patent professionals who understand the company\u2019s business strategy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Established businesses have numerous patents to manage and it is not always possible to develop and maintain a well-structured portfolio. In fact, they often struggle to decide which patents have a strong potential. Therefore, businesses need to establish a strong strategy for patent portfolio management in order to remain competitive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Portfolio management can be done in multiple ways. The most common methods are statistical analysis<\/strong> and detailed analysis<\/strong>. In case of statistical analysis, most of the patents are distributed into different sets. This distribution could be based on technologies, the different business units where they originated from, bibliographic information, and other parameters which are part of different patents. While this method ensures a quick analysis, one may miss out on the individual merits of the patents while using it.<\/p>\n\n\n\nOn the contrary, detailed analysis is time consuming since it offers comprehensive insights about each patent. However, it might miss out on providing a bigger picture of the patent portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>The Need for F3 Analysis<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nSagacious IP\u2019s award-winning and innovative F3 Analysis model was created to bridge the gap between these two methods. It offers in-depth insights into each patent and a macro-level insight into the complete portfolio. This eventually results in saving both time and money.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This model uses a combination of artificial intelligence (AI) and manual analysis which helps organizations assess their patents and categorize them according to their potential. Patents are organized into three major categories:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nFundamental Patents<\/li>\n\n\n\n Future Patents<\/li>\n\n\n\n Fringe Patents<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\nSuch categorization offers absolute clarity into the company\u2019s patent portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n
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Figure: Different Patent Categories<\/strong><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/span>1. Fundamental<\/strong> Patents<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThese are the core patents to any business. They comprise of product protecting patents and competition covering patents. Product protecting patents cover core features for all products and the supplementary features of core products. On the other hand, competition covering patents include the ones that have a high probability of infringement against competitors. Moving further, these competitors can also be divided into three categories:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tier 1:<\/strong> Direct competitors of your company<\/p>\n\n\n\nTier 2:<\/strong> Direct competitors of your component providers<\/p>\n\n\n\nTier 3:<\/strong> Companies that offer similar services and products but are smaller in size.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/span>Advantages of Fundamental Patents<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n\nThey offer the highest potential to be out-licensed for revenue generation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n They can be cross licensed to save money.<\/li>\n\n\n\n Lastly, they can be used in defensive litigation against infringers to emerge as market leaders. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/span>2. Fringe Patents<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThese patents have the least potential for value generation. However, there are different methodologies which can be used to resolve this issue. The fringe patents comprise of patents that can be categorized under: monetizable patents, lean patents, and obsolete patents. The patents that can be monetized are relevant to start-ups or companies in a domain other than your core business domain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lean patents are the ones that have no family member under prosecution and wherein infringement could not be proved in any of the cases. Furthermore, such patents can be packaged with other patent set for transaction.
<\/span>Advantages of Fringe Patents<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n\nPatents that have the least potential to be sold can be used by pruning to save maintenance fee.<\/li>\n\n\n\n Lean patents can be used for out-licensing\/sales. They can be packaged with other patents for better licensing price negotiations.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/span>3. Future Patents<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nFuture patents include: patents with an open family (ones which have at least one family member under prosecution); patents for which applications have been filed recently; and future technology patents. Next, recently filed applications are open applications which are currently under prosecution with no granted family members. Lastly, future technology patents are the patents that have a high probability of implementation in the future. They correspond to technologies that are currently under research.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Advantages of Future Patents (Especially Patents with an Open Family)<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n