IP Policy development
An IP policy is a statement of how the cluster plans to deal with IP issues regarding membership, cooperation, secrecy, idea sharing, result exploitation and ownership of individual and collective IP, among other aspects.
It is recommended that all clusters go through the process of creating an IP policy. It can contribute to build trust among cluster members, prevent difficult discussions in the future around issues of ownership and reduce the risks in the commercialisation processes.
We have developed IP policy development guidelines to assist the cluster in creating its IP-Policy. Innovasjon Norge IPR staff are available support the process. The Norwegian version can be found here and the english version here.
SECTORAL ISSUES:
The guidelines which we have created are generic. However IP issues differ greatly depending upon the sector within which the cluster is operating. The graphic below is indicative of this. The Medtech/Biotech/oil&gas sectors are largely dependent on patent protection strategies. However, software patenting is often controversial, IP strategies within this sector often center more around licencing. The culture and experience sector is largely reliant on copyright and protection strategies around this. So while IP is equally relevant there tend to be different strategies depending on the sector.
Sectoral pilots
In order to highlight the sectoral needs and how the focus differs between sectors. A pilot of the policy development was done with the Helse Innovasjon cluster and an in hindsight report was prepared by Lillehammer Kunnskapspark.
Helse Innovasjon
The report from the policy process can be found here.
Lillehammer Kunnskapspark (LHK)
LHK as Managers in the Konvekst cluster, which falls into the culture and experience sector. They realised the importance of IPR within their cluster at a very early stage and dealt specifically with these issues. For this project they prepared material based upon the experience in Konvekst. More specifically
· An introduction to specific issues concerning the Creative Industries and IP, which can be found here.
· A survey adapted for the Creative Industries in order to assess and measure each cluster members use, insight and knowledge of IP and Brand related issues, which can be found here.
· A short case presentation of Knerten: Specific challenges and approaches in order to administer, claim and exploit artistic contributions (trademarks, copyright, neighboring rights and design etc.) and to create the overall venture; from book, to film, to industry. See here.