Since 2017, the IfM’s Intellectual Property & Innovation Management (IIPM) Laboratory, led by Professor Frank Tietze, has been developing a comprehensive suite of tools designed to help organisations strengthen the strategic management of their intellectual property (IP). This long-term effort builds on the Lab’s research into template-based and visual methods that make it easier for companies to hold structured, forward-looking conversations about IP and its role in innovation and competitiveness.

The toolkit addresses a common challenge faced by organisations of all sizes: while IP is often recognised as strategically important, many teams struggle to align internal perspectives or create a shared understanding of how IP supports broader business goals. The tools developed by the IIPM Lab help bridge this gap by offering clear, repeatable frameworks that guide strategic discussions.

The team has consistently observed two major benefits as organisations adopt these approaches. Firstly, the tools help create a shared strategic space, enabling IP managers to convene colleagues from across the business – including CTOs, CFOs, and teams in marketing, R&D and software development – to engage in more integrated, strategy-focused conversations. By giving different functions a common language and structure, the tools help ensure that IP considerations are embedded earlier and more effectively in decision-making.

Secondly, the tools offer a valuable resource for SMEs and start-ups, many of whom have limited internal IP capacity. Several of the templates include self-facilitation guidance, allowing smaller firms to run meaningful internal discussions about their IP assets, risks and opportunities. This, in turn, helps them ask more informed and targeted questions when working with external service providers, such as patent attorneys or IP consultants.

“Our aim with the IP Strategy Toolkit is to make strategic conversations about intellectual property more accessible, structured and forward-looking. Too often, IP decisions are made in isolation or too late in the process. By giving organisations simple but powerful tools, we help teams create a shared understanding of how IP underpins innovation and competitiveness – and ultimately empower them to make better, more informed strategic choices,” said Professor Frank Tietze.

A detailed overview of the tools – including associated research publications and downloadable visual templates – is available in the IP Strategy Toolkit Catalogue. The catalogue provides companies with practical, ready-to-use resources for exploring topics such as IP mapping, strategic alignment, portfolio development and IP-related decision processes.

The IIPM Laboratory continues to expand the toolkit and is actively seeking organisations interested in applying the tools or collaborating on pilot-testing new ones currently in development. Companies keen to learn more or explore opportunities for engagement are encouraged to get in touch.

Explore the toolkit and download resources:
https://www.iipm.eng.cam.ac.uk/industry/strategic-ip-management-tools