Revolutionizing IP Management: Highlights from Maucher Jenkins’ IP Day 2025 in Basel
On January 30, 2025, Maucher Jenkins hosted its highly anticipated IP Day 2025 in Basel with more than 60 participants, bringing together industry leaders, academics, and innovators to discuss the latest trends in IP management. The event focused on value-driven patent portfolio management in the digital age, with a particular emphasis on the transformative role of emerging technologies like AI, quantum computing, and Industry 4.0 innovations. Below is a comprehensive summary of the key insights and discussions from this landmark event.
Keynote Address: The Digital Imperative for IP Management
The day began with a keynote by Prof. Dr. Alexander J. Wurzer, who set the tone with his presentation on “Current Trends in Value-Oriented Patent Portfolio Management.” He highlighted how the increasing complexity of technologies and application scenarios necessitates a shift toward value-driven IP strategies. Prof. Wurzer emphasized three major trends:
- Emergence of Foundational Technologies: Innovations in AI, quantum computing, 5G/6G networks, and augmented reality are reshaping industries and driving digital complexity.
- Ecosystem-Based Business Models: Businesses are transitioning from transactional models to relationship-driven ecosystems, which require IP strategies that align with collaborative innovation.
- Global Growth in Industry 4.0 Patents: Patent filings in Industry 4.0 technologies have surged globally, outpacing other technological fields.
These trends underscore the need for organizations to adopt sophisticated IP management frameworks that align with their long-term business goals.
👉 Here you can find the 🔎IP Management Glossary entry: Industry 4.0
Panel Discussion: Why Digitalization Demands Value-Driven Patent Portfolios
The first panel discussion featured thought leaders like Beat Weibel (Chief IP Counsel at Siemens) and Rudolf Freytag (CEO of Siemens Technology Accelerator). They explored how digitalization is reshaping IP strategies and stressed the following points:
- Technology-Driven Complexity: The rapid evolution of digital technologies requires companies to rethink how they protect and monetize intellectual property.
- Strategic Portfolio Development: Effective patent portfolios should not only guard against competitors but also enable partnerships and co-innovation within ecosystems.
- Focus on Value Creation: Patents must be evaluated based on their contribution to business objectives rather than sheer quantity.
This session provided actionable insights for attendees looking to future-proof their IP strategies.
👉 Here you can read the related paper by Beat Weibel VP IP from Siemens: Revolutionizing IP Strategy for the Digital Age – Value-Driven vs. Invention-Driven Approaches
Case Studies: Building Digital IP Portfolios
Several case studies showcased real-world applications of value-driven IP management:
- Tencent & Mirriad’s Digital Business Models
- Tencent and Mirriad showcased how intellectual property can protect innovative business models, particularly in the realm of AI-driven product placement in video content. Their collaboration highlights the strategic importance of patents in safeguarding proprietary algorithms and methods that enable seamless integration of advertisements into multimedia. This approach not only enhances revenue streams but also sets a precedent for leveraging IP to support new-age digital advertising techniques.
- A standout example is Mirriad’s patent [EP2304725B1], which outlines methods for identifying insertion zones in video material. This technology allows advertisers to dynamically place branded content into pre-recorded videos by analyzing factors such as zone shape, size, and movement. Such innovations demonstrate how patents can secure competitive advantages in rapidly evolving markets like digital media.
- By protecting these technologies, Tencent and Mirriad have positioned themselves as leaders in the intersection of AI and advertising. Their IP strategies illustrate how patents can serve as both defensive tools and enablers of business partnerships, fostering growth in emerging industries. This case underscores the critical role of IP in supporting scalable and sustainable digital business models.
👉 Here you can find the case study about Mirriad and Tencent: Patent Strategies for Streaming Platforms – Mirriad Technologies helps Tencent with new AI based Business Models
- MedTech Startups
- The presentation on MedTech startups emphasized the importance of building robust IP portfolios to secure funding and establish market presence. For early-stage companies, patents are vital assets that attract investors by demonstrating technological uniqueness and potential for commercialization. A well-crafted portfolio not only protects innovations but also signals credibility to stakeholders in a competitive industry.
- MedTech startups often operate in a high-stakes environment where regulatory approvals and market entry barriers are significant challenges. Strategic patenting can help these companies navigate such hurdles by creating exclusivity around their technologies, thereby reducing competition and increasing bargaining power. Additionally, patents can facilitate licensing agreements or partnerships with larger firms, accelerating growth trajectories.
👉 Here you can find the interview about: “How to protect your MedTEch software with patents”?
The discussion highlighted actionable strategies for startups, such as prioritizing high-impact patents that align with long-term business goals. By focusing on quality over quantity, MedTech innovators can maximize the value of their IP portfolios while managing costs effectively. This approach ensures that startups remain agile while building a strong foundation for future success.
Workshops: Tools for Strategic Portfolio Management
Interactive workshops provided attendees with hands-on experience in portfolio analysis and decision-making frameworks. Key methodologies discussed included:
- BCG Matrix & McKinsey Portfolio Models
The BCG Matrix helps companies prioritize investments by categorizing business units or products based on market growth rates and relative market share. This tool enables organizations to allocate resources effectively, focusing on areas with high growth potential or competitive advantage. The McKinsey Portfolio Model expands on this by incorporating multiple factors, such as industry attractiveness and internal business strength, offering a more nuanced framework for strategic decision-making.
- Patent Life Cycle Management
Participants explored how aligning patent portfolios with product life cycles can optimize returns and enhance strategic planning. This approach ensures that patents are maintained, monetized, or retired at the right time to maximize their value. By integrating life cycle management into IP strategies, companies can better adapt to market dynamics and technological advancements.
These sessions offered practical guidance for managing complex portfolios effectively.
AI-Powered Innovation in IP Management
One of the most exciting segments of the event was a deep dive into how artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing IP processes:
- AI-Assisted Patent Drafting
- White Spot Analysis
- Competitive Intelligence
The integration of AI into IP processes promises to enhance both speed and accuracy while reducing costs.
Insights from Industry Leaders
The event concluded with insights from Ruud Peters, former Chief Intellectual Property Officer at Philips, who shared key principles for transforming IP management:
- IP as a Means to an End: Intellectual property should facilitate business opportunities rather than being an end goal.
- Accountability & Results Orientation: Establishing clear objectives and measuring outcomes ensures that IP contributes directly to corporate strategy.
- Proactive Portfolio Building: Companies must anticipate future needs rather than reacting to past inventions.
These principles resonated strongly with attendees striving to align their IP efforts with broader organizational goals.
👉 Here you get an overview at the digital IP lexicon 🔗d𝗜𝗣𝗹𝗲𝘅 about: AI-assisted invention Processes
Takeaways: Preparing for the Future of IP
Maucher Jenkins’ IP Day 2025 underscored the critical role of intellectual property in navigating today’s fast-paced technological landscape. Key takeaways included:
- The importance of aligning patent portfolios with business objectives to create sustainable value.
- The transformative potential of AI in streamlining IP processes and uncovering new opportunities.
- The need for proactive strategies that anticipate future technological shifts rather than merely reacting to current trends.
👉 Here you can find the digital IP lexicon 🔗d𝗜𝗣𝗹𝗲𝘅 for this event: Value-orientated Patent Portfolio Management in the Digital Age – IP Day Maucher Jenkins 2025
As businesses continue to grapple with digital transformation, events like this provide invaluable platforms for collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Maucher Jenkins successfully brought together a diverse group of experts to tackle some of the most pressing challenges in intellectual property management today. With its focus on innovation, collaboration, and actionable insights, IP Day 2025 set a high benchmark for future events in this space.
Here are the slides of the key note by Prof. Dr. Alexander Wurzer: