Patents can be an expensive undertaking, but depending on your business, technology and market, it could be a brilliant business strategy.
A recent article in The Next Web talked about Microsoft‘s strategy of “turning up the screws” on its competition using patent protection as a business weapon of choice.
At the rate that HTC is rumored to pay the company (between five and ten dollars per shipped unit), Microsoft is almost certainly profiting more off of the success of Android than it is from its own mobile line, Windows Phone 7. – The Next Web, June 27, 2011
In fact, based on other articles out there, it would seem that Microsoft is generating five times more revenue from Android than from Windows phone.
Does your business plan include some thinking around patent protection [and patent revenue generation]? If not, step back and check your IP carefully. Maybe it’s time to have a nice lunch with your attorney.
For those who’d prefer the DIY route, your first stop should be the US Patent and Trademark Office. You can also check into services like LegalZoom.com and reference resources like Nolo.com.
