11 Wake Forest J. Bus. & Intell. Prop. L. 380
An integrated strategy is required to identify, manage, and capture the value from intellectual property that arises in the research environment. Experimental results must be screened routinely to identify potential intellectual property, including novel or improved methods and compositions as well as new or expanded applications. Strategic evaluation of potential intellectual property requires a comparison of the method, composition, or application to existing patents and patent applications, in addition to gaining an understanding of the published literature and other public-domain information. Ultimately, the timing and mechanisms employed to protect intellectual property can play a major role in the success of a product. In this article, specific examples from the medical device and regenerative medicine sectors are utilized to highlight strategic approaches that may be used to effectively understand and navigate the competitive landscape in the pursuit of product development.