Patent Strategies in the Networked Economy

This article discusses the opportunities and risks that come along with patents in the new tech business. It takes into account several examples from tech companies that experienced lawsuits and conflicts with competitors over inventions in scheme, code, technology, and shape. With the rise of automated monitoring, communication, and travel, companies should prepare for a more aggressive and value-driven patent strategy and fiercer requirements for enforcement of those patents. Be aware, these patents also may cover software and algorithms. It must be said, however, that the right to a patent does grant automatically exclusive use and prevention of imitation, nor freedom of action.