Nanotechnology Intellectual Property Rights : Research, Design, and Commercialization

Demystifying the accelerating research and product development process involved in nanotechnology, this book employs illustrations and lucid explanations to examine the integration and exploitation of intellectual property rights (IPR) as a tool in research and development, technology transfer, and safe commercialization. Requiring no prior legal experience of readers, it illuminates the nuances and integral role of IPR in technology development, from product inception through commercialization. This indispensible book destroys illusions in the minds of stakeholders and builds confidence to establish a framework for an agile, working product development model.

"We need to seamlessly integrate IPR in the standard graduate/post graduate courses in science, technology, commerce, creative arts, etc., without over burdening the students with law"
—Dr Prabuddha Ganguli, CEO, VISION-IPR

Nanotechnology Intellectual Property Rights: Research, Design, and Commercialization offers an overview of the dynamics of development and commercialization in nanotech, where strategic integration of IP, R&D, and commercialization has become imperative. It demystifies issues of intellectual property rights (IPR) associated with research, design, technology transfer, and commercialization of innovations in technology-led areas such as nanotech.

Designed for a diverse readership that may not have background knowledge of the legal nuances of IPR, this book clearly articulates techno-legal aspects of nano-related innovations to aid their effective integration into businesses. This resource stands apart by using numerous case studies and pictorial illustrations, addressing aspects ranging from ideation to commercialization of IP-enabled nanotechnology. It illustrates the evolving patent landscape in nanotechnology, explores the international patent classification system, and details patenting procedures in a range of jurisdictions, including search for nanotechnology prior art and creation of search strategies.

The authors discuss patent-led nanotechnology businesses, presenting a wide range of case studies that address construction of valuable patent portfolios, growth of start-ups, and consolidation of IP-led nanobusinesses through mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, strategic investments, etc. They also cover patent litigations in nanotechnologies and the significance of strategically crafting agreements related to IP transactions. In addition, they address compliance with contractual obligations, the importance of well-drafted patent specifications, and sensitive aspects of conducting techno-legal due diligence prior to the development and marketing of products. Also covered are vulnerabilities in challenging/defending the validity of patents and negotiating settlements.

Integrating use of the IPRinternalise® model for capacity building in human and infrastructural resources, the authors assess the future of IP landscaping in nanotechnology. Here, they focus on patentability, public perception of risks to health and ecosystems, institutionalized management of intellectual property rights, and the steps that will be necessary to meet these and other such challenges on the way to realizing profits in nanotech.