Patent claims and value capture points: Introducing value-chain patent strategy

A ldquovalue-chain patent strategyrdquo applies business model design techniques at a product or service level to ensure that patent claims protect value capture points in the business model. By using value-chain patent strategy, business strategy and IP strategy can be integrated, and patent claims can be designed to protect the value capture points in the business model for a new or improved product or service. Value-chain patent strategy requires a major shift in how patent strategy is currently formulated and executed; the most likely corporate change agents are technology managers. Training technology managers in value-chain patent strategy requires the introduction of coursework about business models, value chain analysis, patent applications, and patent claims into management of technology curricula.