Frequently Asked Questions

About Our Business Model

What does IP2Biz^® really do?
Is IP2Biz a venture capital firm?
How does IP2Biz differ from its competitors in the marketplace?
Isn’t the market saturated with companies that do what IP2Biz does?
How does IP2Biz differ from a business incubator?
What does IP2Biz offer its clients?
Does IP2Biz assist with patent filings and IP legal protections?
How does IP2Biz stay on top of so many technological advances in so many markets?

About Our Offerings

What is IPScout^SM?
How does IPScout work?
What are the benefits of IPScout?
What are the deliverables with IPScout and how is it priced?
Do you have experts in all industries?
Can IPScout find a new technology for me to launch next year?
How does IPScout work with multi-divisional companies?

What is a ProofCo^® and what does it include?
How is a ProofCo valued and priced?
What do you mean by clean, packaged IP?
How fast is “The Fast Track from IP to Industry?”

What does IP2Biz really do?
We acquire, develop and license technology…transferring it from the university lab to the commercial arena. Through our technology scouting, analysis and reporting service -- IPScout^SM -- we help corporate technology buyers unearth (discover) previously unseen, promising technologies. Once the technology has been screened and vetted, we form the proof of commercialization (through our proprietary process of technology validation that we call a “ProofCo^®” project), we match the ProofCo with the right corporate technology buyer. In some instances, we take the clean, packaged IP and start a new company that will actually bring the IP to market (a “NewCo”). Put simply, we fast track early stage technology and move it along the commercialization continuum to industry.

Is IP2Biz a venture capital firm?
No. While there are many differences in our business model and that of a typical VC, the key difference is the level of investment and ownership assumed by our firm versus that of a VC. Our series of smaller investments in the early stage technology helps to move IP along the commercialization continuum prior to our exit by selling the license to the technology.

How does IP2Biz differ from its competitors in the marketplace?
Our business model is unique, based on our proprietary fast track process for moving IP to industry. The IP2Biz process unearths valuable IP for corporate technology buyers through joint discovery, validation, proving and packaging clean IP. This process reduces the speed and cost to market for the IP, and lowers the risk for the company launching the IP. Another important differentiator is the fact that we have extensive relationships with major research universities.

Isn’t the market saturated with companies that do what IP2Biz does?
Certainly there are numerous patent attorneys, licensing agents, brokers, consultants, analysts and investors working with early stage technology. But, we are not a broker, licensing agent or consultant. We are one of the very few companies that methodically invests incremental capital in discovering and developing a technology and moving it toward commercialization.

How does IP2Biz differ from a business incubator?
Our business focus is on moving technology through the commercialization continuum. We evaluate very early stage technology, validate it and invest in it allowing it to be further developed. Then we ready it for a corporate technology buyer to integrate into their existing or new product mix. On occasion, we take the technology and start a new company that delivers the technology to market.

What does IP2Biz offer its clients?
Our offerings include IPScout and ProofCo projects. Both offerings are integral to our proprietary IP2Biz process. IPScout is an advisory service for companies looking for next generation technology that can enhance their industry position. A ProofCo project is a clean, fully developed and market-validated IP package.

Does IP2Biz assist with patent filings and IP legal protections?
IP2Biz is not a law firm. However, we do partner with an exemplary stable of legal professionals who specialize in intellectual property law for technology innovation. Our expertise is both deep and wide – in business management, early stage IP development and investment, legal protection and patent filings.

How does IP2Biz stay on top of so many technological advances in so many markets?
That’s a tough one based on the explosive growth of technology in virtually all industries. During the past two decades, we have established an extensive network of researchers and analysts that work with us, keeping us apprised on what’s happening in specific areas. And, our trusted relationship with researchers allows us to see undisclosed technologies.

What is IPScout^SM?
IPScout is for companies looking for the next generation technology that can enhance their industry position. IPScout is an annual subscription-based advisory service that helps you gain visibility to previously unseen technologies and provides expansive information on technologies that can impact your strategic position.

How does IPScout work?
Through a joint discovery process with our corporate clients, we scan for technologies that fit their needs, unearth the most promising, screen them for marketability and provide detailed market studies of the most relevant technologies.

What are the benefits of IPScout?
You benefit by seeing breakthrough technologies that others can’t – and avoid being surprised. You are able to: evaluate your technology against similar technologies; see what your competitors might be reviewing; and gain insight into evolving technologies outside your industry that can have direct impact on your strategic position.

Our proven process allows you to remain in control of IP commercialization while gaining a competitive advantage – and reducing your risk during technology acquisition. Additionally, you benefit with a more cost effective way of working with universities and, you have the flexibility to acquire technology licenses at any stage without investing capital until you are ready.

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What are the deliverables with IPScout and how is it priced?
Your IPScout Report is updated and issued quarterly during your subscription period. In addition to your written reports, we hold conference calls with you after each update to discuss our findings and answer your questions. Cost-effectively packaged and priced, the initial subscription is for a minimum of one year, renewable thereafter.

Do you have experts in all industries?
Our unique network allows us to reach relevant, world class experts in any field in question. We have the ability to review work objectively while bringing in added expertise in specific technologies or industry sectors.

Can IPScout find a new technology for me to launch next year?
Our goal is to help you find technologies to help you navigate your long-term roadmap. Therefore, we focus on your technology interests that are at least two years out into the future.

How does IPScout work with multi-divisional companies?
We understand corporate processes that guide technology acquisition. With that understanding, we can individualize a program or create a master program that will work across multiple divisions or business units. After discussing your goals, we’ll agree on the best approach to meet your needs.

What is a ProofCo and what does it include?
A ProofCo project – which stands for “proof of commercialization” – is a package of clean, IP assets that have been processed – and proven – through our ProofCo project management methodology. The ProofCo assets include the IP license, the license(s) to other patents/other IP developed during the ProofCo, the market and industry analyses that led to the establishment of the ProofCo, and the roadmap to commercialization developed throughout the ProofCo project implementation.

How is a ProofCo valued and priced?
We use a hybrid formula to include factors for project management expenses, early stage technology value, required R&D costs, and near-market ready IP value. Since every ProofCo is unique, every ProofCo will vary in its required investment. Once pricing criteria are established, a bidding process is used for companies seeking to acquire the ProofCo.

What do you mean by clean, packaged IP?
First, “clean” means that the intellectual property rights behind the technology are free and clear of any encumbrances or infringements, with the patent filings found to be solid and safe with all legal protections available to the holder of the intellectual property license. “Packaged” describes the bundling of all the applicable IP assets including the additional IP research and development, market analyses and strategic recommendations for commercialization.

How fast is “The Fast Track from IP to Industry?”
Typically 6 to 18 months. Each ProofCo project is unique, as well as its timetable.