Intellectual property (IP) is rapidly gaining importance in the business scene and fast becoming a valuable asset in many successful companies. In fact, such intangible asset is often the key to attaining sustainable market advantage.
However, as IP is fundamentally different from physical assets, it is necessary to adopt a different approach when managing IP. Companies should integrate IP considerations as early as possible when developing any business strategies. Good management of IP is paramount to the business success.
For more information on IP Resources for Businesses, click here.
For more information on IP Management, click here.
For more information on IPM for Local Enterprises, click here.
Before you attempt to manage your IP, you should ask yourself a few fundamental questions, especially when you are about to launch a new product/service/business.
But stop and think.
Do you want exclusivity for your new product?
If your answer is Yes, then ask yourself what is unique about your product. |
Is it unique
because of the way it works? | | Is it unique
because of how it's made? | | Is it unique
because of the way it looks? | | Is it unique
because of its branding? |
| | If your product is unique in how it works or how it's made, then you could consider patenting it.
What is a patent? | | | | |
| | | | | | | | You have developed manuals, information sheets, training materials or promotional materials on your products. Would you like to protect them? Copyright Protection | | | | |
| | Can your competitors easily copy what you have?
What other rights can you depend on? | | | | Where are your key markets or production points? Do you really need to register your IP in those territories? | | What will the costs be? Fees |
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Prepared by: Intellectual Property Office of Singapore, IPOS 2007
Last Updated: 10 September 2007
Acknowledgement
This publication was developed in consultation with Mrs Murgiana Haq, Partner, Haq & Selvam and Mr Keoy Soo Earn, Partner, Deloitte & Touche.
"The information and materials (the "Materials") made available in this publication (the "Guide") are for informational purposes only. While we hope and believe the Guide will be helpful as a background matter, we cannot warrant the Guide is accurate or complete. Moreover, the Guide is general in nature and does not purport to cover the many issues that can arise in each subject matter, and may not apply to particular factual or legal circumstances. The Guide does not provide an exhaustive list of all the legal issues confronted by a business, and depending on the details specific to each business, there may be additional laws or regulations that apply. In any event, the Guide does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied on as such. IPOS does not purport through this Guide to provide any legal advice. Readers seeking to act upon any of the materials contained in this publication are urged to seek their own legal advice."
© 2007 Intellectual Property Office of Singapore, IPOS. All rights reserved. Reproduction or modification of any portion of this Guide without the written permission of IPOS is prohibited.