Here are 5 tips to keep well in mind if you prepare a fundraising drive
Throwback on an insightful BioWinConnect
The value of Intellectual Property rights is an essential element in every capitalization action – added value which inspires trust in investors. It is therefore vital to understand the different fundraising steps, and to assess the intellectual property assets financially. An effective management of Intellectual Property rights will lead to the creation of economic value. A well thought-out and coordinated intellectual property strategy becomes a growth accelerator for the company, irrespective of its size.
On 1 October of this year, Icosa, a law firm specializing in the healthcare, life sciences and medical technologies as well as in the strategy and the enhancement of intellectual property assets, broached the importance of intellectual property at a BioWinConnect event on the subject.
The session was held in two parts: a short summary of the steps of a fundraising process, and then a focus on the place of intellectual property and how to prepare for it.
The value of Intellectual Property rights is an essential element in every capitalization action
During the 2nd part, Michel Detheux, CEO of iTeos Therapeutics, and Cédric Szpirer, Executive & Scientific Director of Delphi Genetics, gave their testimonies to compare theory with practice.
If you did not have the opportunity to take part in this session, here are 5 tips to keep well in mind if you prepare a fundraising drive:
1. Make the fundraising your priority during its entire duration, i.e. 6 to 18 months on average;
2. Even if Intellectual Property is not mentioned in the first fundraising steps, remember that it will be analysed during the final due diligence;
3. Do not forget that your Intellectual Property assets add value to your company;
4. Prepare a portfolio of your Intellectual Property rights including patents, trademarks, drawings and models, copyright and closely guarded expertise;
5. Prepare for the questions
o Portfolio situational analysis,
o Validity of assets,
o Expiry date,
o Ownership of rights,
o Appropriateness of the scope to the product(s),
o Freedom-of-use analysis.
