Interview with Henrik Olsson
CIP is 20 years old this year. What are the major changes that you have seen in the IP world over the past 20 years?
Breakdown of classical value chains into networks where intangibles, and their management, play a key role. Also, there are new technologies and globalization. Right now, many companies are in the process of understanding and adjusting their business and internal ways of working to win in the new business reality.
What do you see as the major IP changes or challenges for the next 20 years?
Holistic: The optimization goes from individual types of IPRs to build a platform of control where you have a mix of business operating models, IPRs, agreements, and trade secrets. The IPR community is now adjusting to this. The pressure to deliver commercial value: Companies increasingly want to know and see the commercial contribution from IP (today and future). Relevant stakeholders in a company are normally willing to take part in IP operations – as long as they understand why.
What advice do you have on how to manage IP in times of crisis?
Keep cool – don’t do the wrong things. There can be a lot of pressure to cut costs, but that has to be done in an intelligent way so that the future is not harmed. Perhaps future historians, when describing our current times, will talk about: “COVID19 mistakes” IP is a long term activity. Hopefully, COVID19 is a short one. It is important to remember that some industries are in a crisis and others blossom.
Will this current crisis create changes in how IP is used or managed and, will it last beyond the crisis?
A stronger focus on doing the right things – more selective actions Stronger commercial focus Shifting focus to “must-haves” rather than “nice-to-haves”.
About Henrik Olsson’s role
I strengthen the competitiveness and profitability of companies.
