Definition

Intellectual property management (IP management) covers the practices that aim to protect, enhance and monitor an organisation’s IP rights: trademarks, patents, designs, copyrights, domain names and trade secrets.

Operational scope

• Filing and registration of titles
• Renewal and fee tracking
• Steering of the trademark portfolio and domains
• Monitoring infringements, oppositions, counterfeiting
• License management, assignments and litigation

Why it matters

IP often represents the most valuable share of a company’s intangible assets. Weak management leads to:

• Loss of rights (missed renewal, cancellation for non-use)
• Long and costly litigation
• Weakened brand cybersecurity against cybersquatting

Mature organisations professionalise IP management with dedicated IP software or IP solutions that centralise titles, automate alerts and connect with external counsel.