I was recently asked for a list of the first 5 things to think about in developing an IP strategy for a new product.  Here’s my first 5 – let me know your thoughts:

1 – Get in early – ensure that the intellectual property angle is being covered from day 1;

2 – Thoroughly understand what drives value in the new product;

3 – Develop a program to protect the value drivers in the new product (in whatever form, and with all appropriate types of IP);

4 – Plan how you will manage that protection, and how you will extend it; and

5 – At regular intervals along the development process (and starting early), make rationale, business-focussed decisions about the IP landscape and freedom to operate.