Title: Intellectual property strategy for competitive advantage

Authors: Deepak Roy

Addresses: Symbiosis Centre for Management and HRD, Symbiosis International University, Pune Infotech Campus, Hinjewadi, Pune– 411057, Maharashtra, India

Abstract: The objective of this paper is to examine the correlation between intellectual property (IP) strategy and competitive advantage and performance among the information technology (IT) companies operating in Pune, India. Primary data from survey of managers responsible for intellectual property in the IT companies and secondary published data from annual company financial reports were used to conduct statistical analysis (Spearman's rho and Kendall's tau), focusing on the objectives of the study. The results of the study show that there is a significant impact of intellectual property strategy to competitive advantage and company performance in the IT industry in India. IP needs to be used as a strategic tool by top management to compete effectively in the marketplace and periodic IP audit needs to be done to valuate the intangible assets owned by the company. Various intangible assets valuation methods practiced globally have also been explored in this study, for Indian companies to adapt. NASSCOM, the Indian IT industry apex body, has confirmed that no similar study has been done in the past and has endorsed this study for potential benefits to its member companies, and has given valuable inputs for industry relevance.

Keywords: intellectual property strategy; company performance; intangible assets; competitive advantage; information technology; IT firms; India; intellectual property audits.

DOI: 10.1504/IJIPM.2013.053449

International Journal of Intellectual Property Management, 2013 Vol.6 No.1/2, pp.36 - 61

Received: 20 Aug 2012
Accepted: 05 Sep 2012
Published online: 31 Mar 2014 *

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