Managing IP as a Business Asset

For most businesses, intangible assets represent more than 50% of the value of the enterprise. The most significant group of intangible assets are those protected by intellectual property such as inventions, designs and brands. Since they form such a large part of the overall value, their management as financial assets is important to the success of the business. A good IP management strategy enhances the ability of the business to raise funding by managing the issues that affect valuations of IP assets. Understanding the financial value to the business of specific IP assets is of particular importance when moving into a new market – product or geographic – because there will be new risks as well as opportunities. This guide aims to explain how IP assets matter from a financial perspective and assess how to manage them to the greatest business advantage.