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The next newsletter will cover the following topics:

Quantum companies go public with the help of their IP portfolios

A few days before World Quantum Day, the Swiss quantum technology company Terra Quantum AG made a big step towards becoming a publicly listed company. It plans to do so via a $3.25 billion merger with Mountain Lake Acquisition Corp. II. This shows that the development of quantum technologies and the creation of associated patent portfolios can still generate enormous value, while everyone is looking at AI.

Risks of losing international patent protection at the UPC

A current decision at the UPC in Milan shows the far reaching risks of patent revocation for international patent holders. The case revolved around a patent for medical technology for oxygen therapy, which competitor Fisher & Paykel claimed to lack novelty, among other things. The court agreed with this claim in their decision, but the final word is not spoken, yet.

Open source software as the basis for smart cars

Open source software is currently pushed by big tech companies, such as Google, to solve the software quandaries in the automotive industry through platform solutions. For example, the Android-based solution by Google, which is integrated in the newest Renault series, tackles the issue that software in cars is often created only for specific tasks and parts of the car, while a holistic software solution for the whole car should be easier to develop and maintain. Nevertheless, using open source software comes with its IP challenges, too.

The role of public funding for green tech projects

While companies and universities are constantly developing and improving green technologies, in many areas the speed of their market acceptance is determined by the availability of public funding. A current example is a large scale carbon-capture project in Louisiana, which is fighting for public money from the DOE promised by the previous administration. This shows that in new green markets, IP and business models must also be aligned with the funding priorities of governments.

OFB Trend Radar

The Trend Radar of the Open Foresight Program is a structured foresight tool that identifies and visualizes emerging developments shaping corporate IP management. It is created as a result of a study among in-house IP experts, in which researchers systematically collect feedback, weight its relevance, and synthesize it into key trend areas.

Its purpose is not prediction, but orientation: helping organizations understand complex changes, prioritize what matters, and align IP strategies with evolving technological, geopolitical, and business environments. By translating diverse insights into a clear framework, the Trend Radar enables more informed, forward-looking decision-making in corporate IP management.

Why the market is moving upstream, but many IP experts are not

The article argues that the IP market is shifting “upstream,” meaning intellectual property is increasingly integrated into business strategy, decision-making, and valuation rather than applied only after issues arise. However, many IP experts remain positioned as downstream advisors, brought in only once a problem is defined. This is not due to lack of expertise, but due to how they present their value. Three key issues are identified: overly narrow positioning, language that starts too late in the client journey, and failure to make decision impact visible. To remain relevant, IP experts must articulate how their expertise improves decisions early, positioning themselves as strategic contributors rather than reactive specialists.

The Beginning of an Iconic Brand: Innovation, Legacy, and Enduring Value

The article explains how Mercedes-Benz evolved from a technical invention into an iconic global brand by combining innovation, intellectual property, and strategic brand building. Early patents by pioneers like Karl Benz and Gottlieb Daimler created the technological foundation, while trademarks, storytelling, and customer engagement transformed these innovations into lasting brand equity. Key moments show how branding decisions and IP protection reinforced each other. The case illustrates that long-term value arises not from technology alone, but from aligning patents, trademarks, and brand strategy to create enduring market recognition and financial value.

Integrating IP and Data Management

This episode explains how the growing importance of data is transforming intellectual property management by requiring a more integrated approach. It presents a hybrid model that combines IP and data management into a unified system, improving governance, decision-making, and value extraction from intangible assets. The discussion outlines the data lifecycle in business and its close links to traditional IP processes. A key concept is the M3 methodology — matching, merging, and managing — to operationalize this integration. Ultimately, organizations must adopt proactive, data-driven IP strategies, supported by structured governance and cultural change, to stay competitive in the digital economy.

The Green Patent Paradox: How Dynamic IP Models Accelerate Green Technology Adoption

The article challenges the “green patent paradox,” showing that patents do not necessarily hinder adoption but evolve over time. Early-stage innovations rely on strong protection to incentivize R&D, while later stages increasingly use licensing and semi-open models to accelerate diffusion.