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CRUI - WIPO Training Programme on intellectual property and management of innovation in small and medium-sized enterprises, Universities, Spin off and Research Centers Use of IP Assets as a Tool for Accessing Financial Tools. META Group - Ing. Luigi Amati 28 March 2006.
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CRUI - WIPO Training Programme on intellectual property and management of innovation in small and medium-sized enterprises, Universities, Spin off and Research CentersUse of IP Assets as a Tool for Accessing Financial Tools META Group - Ing. Luigi Amati 28 March 2006
Understanding finance for Innovation • Investor needs • IP Assets: a strategic leverage • Some ideas
R&D: Risks and Financial needs Risk Level
Traditional Financial tools Vs Innovative companies • Innovative Companies: • do not have out a sound track record • need years before generating a positive cash flow (no self-financing) • their Business activity not understandable • could not provide guarantees • require a small amount of money INNOVATIVE COMPANIES ARE NOT APPEALING FOR BANKS!
VENTURE CAPITAL Capital ($) Needs Company Growth EXPANSION FINANCING FIRST STAGE FINANCING Finance for Innovation, BA START-UP FINANCING SEED FINANCING EARLY STAGE FINANCING PRE-SEED FINANCING Time The financial gap EQUTY GAP
Knowledge based companies needs risk prone money 3 Fs are not enough! (Fools, Family, Friends)
New Financial tools Vs Innovative companies • Seed funds • BAs • VCs
…But what are investors looking for? • Balanced & committed Management Team • High growth potentials • Sustainable Business Model • Suitable strategies: with deliverable goals • A clear way out strategy …
…But what are investors looking for? … defendable products!
IP as added value, Why? • Legally protected • Able to create incomes • Competitive Advantages • Can be evaluated
IP & Investor needs Investors have the following concerns: • freedom to operate PA report • possibility for an international coverage • clear ownership status facilitating a well established exploitation strategy • barriers to entry
Case A: Patent owned by the company (and not the inventor) World patent Protection of both Product and Process Various fields of applications Project independent by original research team (testing phase) But … Agreement with inventor? Research project consortium agreement? Good patent, unclear situation
Case B: 2 Patents owned by the company Still PCT process, Patenting process supported by Patent Attorney from the beginning Various fields of applications But … Similar technologies covered by patents on the market EPO expert written opinion, 1 positive and 1 with claims Project dependent by original research team clear situation, good patents?
Some ideas: IPR is a strategic leverage, at least to start the discussion Team, market and business model are also essential Innovation finance vs ipr market is just starting in Italy, therefore … Watch out “self made” IPR and look for professional fund managers
Grazie! Ing. Luigi Amati Meta Group www-meta-group.com