With 3.46 million patent applications filed worldwide in 2024, innovation has become the driving force behind competitive differentiation for companies. In this context, patents have become one of the most valuable intangible assets within organisations.
According to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) IP Facts & Figures 2024 report, 17.8 million patents were in force globally that same year. In Europe, the European Patent Office (EPO) received nearly 200,000 applications, while in Spain, the Spanish Patent and Trademark Office (OEPM) recorded a 2.2% increase in national applications.
These figures reflect a growing interest in protecting innovation, but they also highlight the need to properly manage and audit these assets.
What is IP due diligence and why is it key to protecting your patents?
Intellectual property Due Diligence is a strategic process that allows the status of an organisation’s intangible assets to be evaluated. In a context where innovation is the main competitive driver, properly auditing a company’s intangible assets is essential for its future growth and sustainability.
Why is it key to perform patent IP Due Diligence?
A poorly protected, expired or conflicting patent may become a strategic, financial and legal risk. Therefore, performing patent Due Diligence allows you to:
- Identify vulnerabilities.
- Ensure legal soundness.
- Maximise the strategic value of innovation.
Due Diligence not only provides strategic protection, but is also key to consolidating innovation.
What does patent Due Diligence involve?
This process involves an in-depth analysis from a strategic, legal and competitive perspective.
Identification
Legal analysis
Technical analysis:
- Strategic analysis: Exploitation potential, licences and target markets.
- Results
This analysis, which covers everything from the status of protection, validity and geographical coverage to monetisation potential and infringement risks, is key in investment and merger and acquisition processes, ensuring that each patent contributes real strategic value.
Are you taking full advantage of your patents’ potential? Download the complete guide to IP Due Diligence now and discover how to protect and monetise your innovation assets.
Do you want to know the status of your intangible assets? Access our technological tool and discover what you can do to boost your assets.
