Treat Your Gold Like Intellectual Property

I have been spending much time lately pondering the intellectual property issues that emerging technology companies face today.  It’s like millions of hatching sea turtles trying to make it to the water before the preying birds get them, then having the perils of the ocean to deal with, hoping that they make it to adulthood.  The life sciences, software, and Web 2.0 verticals are churning out new ventures left and right like a sprinkler, and the water pressure is growing.  At this pace, the opportunity to step on someone else’s IP foot is more than possible.  To see what I mean, Google Intellectual Property Litigation and see what you come up with.  There is no shortage of IP attorneys to be found, which gives you an indication of the scope of what is happening. 

This is obviously a very important topic, and one that is evolving rapidly.  In the near term, I will be publishing a white paper on insurance strategies for the intellectual property of emerging technology ventures, as well as other businesses that dance dangerously close to IP infringement.  I will focus on some the perils of IP infringement and how the insurance industry addresses them, as well as insurance strategies to fund IP litigation in enforcing IP rights.  IP is the beating heart of emerging technology, and if you don’t treat it like gold, someone else will take it from you.  Conversely, if you don’t do your homework (or if your IP attorney doesn’t) you will face the wrath of someone else defending their IP rights.  Quite frankly, you should treat your gold like intellectual property!