Formulating an IP Strategy

Nicola Proudlock, General Counsel and Company Secretary, Snell & Wilcox Group

This article reflects experience gained from putting together an intellectual property strategy for a growing, international company, rich in technological resources but with no previous internal legal support. The objective was simple enough: to give effect to the company's business strategy by determining the most appropriate processes for the protection and exploitation of IP. However, starting from scratch with this exercise was a challenge! What was needed was an initial evaluation exercise to clarify the extent of proprietary IP, as well as to check how it was being exploited. Next, we took a critical look at our IP processes, in particular the approach to patent filing and prosecution. Cost efficiency being the name of the game, we also scrutinized how the money was being spent, with the aim of providing IP protection as directed and relevant to key strategic areas as possible within budget levels. Finally, we rolled out a training program to personnel, with accompanying policies and guidelines. An IP strategy was born!

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USA Intellectual Property Media October 2007 Vol. 1, No. 2, Winter 2007

Nicola Proudlock

Nicola Proudlock is a solicitor and General Counsel and Company Secretary of Snell & Wilcox. Originally in private practice, for the last 15 years she has worked in-house in the high-tech sector in various roles, and has international commercial and IP experience.

Snell & Wilcox Group

Snell & Wilcox designs and builds the world's most advanced systems for video playout, mastering, repurposing, infrastructure, and live production switching. Providing solutions that deliver immediate value while enabling a controlled and cost-effective transition to HD and file-based systems, the company serves a worldwide base of customers in the broadcast, postproduction, cable, satellite, mobile TV, and IPTV markets. In business since 1973, Snell & Wilcox maintains its U.S. headquarters in Burbank, Calif., and European headquarters in Hampshire, U.K. Additional offices are located in New York, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Lebanon, Malaysia, and Russia. Further information is available at www.snellwilcox.com.

USA Intellectual Property Media October 2007 Vol. 1, No. 2, Winter 2007