The differences in the Intellectual Property needs of Companies Highlighted

David Broodryk, Manager: Intellectual Properties Services, M&I Group Limited

Managing the intellectual properties of a well established company with budget approvals always relatively easily secured, created visions of a smooth ride into distant retirement. Not that our employer was prepared to dish out intellectual property funds without proper justification. But it all seemed so easy working with bricks and mortar, clearly understanding the nature of the products and services offered within our Group of Companies. After all, this had been going on for the past 50 years. Even the company board of directors understood our needs, our suggestions and had over many decades demonstrated an extremely comfortable relationship with intellectual properties as if part-and-parcel of the fundamentals of Group asset management. To put it mildly, our IP team set up base in a comfort zone where not even a killer hurricane would spring a surprise on us.