From Ideas to Assets: Investing Wisely in Intellectual Property

"Bruce Berman brings the flair of the entrepreneur to the field of patents. His skills–as a business executive, networker, and public relations strategist–are unique in the ‘green eye shade’ world of intellectual property. This book is a must read for those who want to know how the business of patents really works."
–Bruce Lehman, Assistant Secretary of Commerce
and U.S. Commissioner of Patents & Trademarks, 1993—1999

"From Ideas to Assets solves the mystery of the ‘hidden’ value of intellectual property by drawing upon a user-friendly, multidisciplinary approach that challenges readers as well as informs them."
–Jack J. Ross, CEO, Licent Capital
Founding member and former Group Head
of Merrill Lynch’s industry leading Asset-Backed Finance Group

"Berman’s tour de force is a must for every senior financial executive. Derivatives, cash flow forecasting, and asset-backed securitization were each an idea that spawned a new business. From Ideas to Assets: Investing Wisely in Intellectual Property provides both managers and bankers with an ‘A to Z’ on how to protect and capitalize on innovation."
–George L. Davis, Former Group Executive for North America,
Citigroup, and EVP in Charge of Worldwide Investment Banking,
First National Bank of Chicago

"Intangible intellectual assets have become the coin of the realm for many transactions. From Ideas to Assets is essential reading for every serious investor or dealmaker. Those involved in information technology, pharmaceuticals, or any other industry in which IP value plays a part will find this book a key to unlock new meaning."
–Arthur H. Rosenbloom, Managing Director, CFC Capital Corp.; former Chairman,
Patricof & Co. Capital Corp.; Adjunct Professor of Finance,
Leonard N. Stern School of Business, New York University

"The use of intellectual property to support business strategies may be the least understood tool in business today. From Ideas to Assets is an invaluable asset to managers, investors, and advisors. For those who already ‘get it,’ this book provides useful data and reinforcement. For those who don’t, it is background that is certain to inspire. Bruce Berman has once again done us a valuable service by providing the information and context managers now need to succeed."
–Harry J. Gwinnell, Director of Intellectual Property,
Cargill Incorporated

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In the information age, intellectual property rights such as patents, copyrights, and trademarks are among companies' most valuable assets. Today, managers and investors in a wide variety of industries need to understand the fundamentals of intellectual property rights in order to make informed decisions about the companies they run and the investments they hold.

From Ideas to Assets provides a detailed overview of what intellectual property assets are and how they work - and what you need to know about them to succeed today's competitive business environment. It offers techniques for valuing intellectual property and discusses ways to help you maximize returns and discern performance variables.

The 25 expert contributors to this volume approach the subject from the varied perspectives of shareholders, managers, analysts, accountants, advisors, and other professionals. Original tables, graphs, and statistics related to intellectual property returns and performance indices are included to clarify important legal and accounting concepts. This easy-to-read guide covers strategies for businesses in various industries, including the financial and manufacturing sectors. This is not a textbook or a stock-picking manual. From Ideas to Assets is a focused resource that provides diverse audiences with valuable guidance on the IP basics they need to know.

BRUCE BERMAN is President of Brody Berman Associates, Inc. in New York, the leading marketing and communications firm for intellectual property owners and investors. Mr. Berman is the editor of Hidden Value, a critically acclaimed anthology on the business of intellectual property, and has advised numerous clients about positioning their IP assets. He is on the editorial board of Patent Strategy & Management and is a member of the Financial Markets Committee of the Licensing Executives Society.