While some of the most successful new companies of the past 15 years have developed revolutionary business models, it is not just startups that have to think about business models. Some of the world’s largest companies are thinking about business models, redefining their models, or capitalizing on the models’ strengths. We have found that understanding business models and using them strategically requires a systematic approach and a focus on innovation. ipCapital Group, Inc. (ipCG) believes that studying your business models and your competitor’s business models is a means to:

• Accelerate growth and profits
• Understand your current business
• Plan for new business launch or entry into a new market
• Compare yourself to direct competitors or companies that have winning business models (e.g., Amazon, Dell, Apple)
• Contemplate a shift to a new business model
• Be resilient in the face of changing market conditions

Today, executives realize that new or evolving business models often change their businesses in a disruptive way. Amazon, eBay, Dell, and Starbucks are companies whose business models have changed the way we “read,” the way we “barter,” the way we “buy” complex machines, and even the way we “drink” coffee. Companies with disruptive business models have been challenging others about how to create and get traction from new business models. We find executives asking:

1. Is my current business model right, or should it/could it change?
2. Who in the organization can advise me on business models?
3. Are there experts who can give us advice about how to change our business model and recommend several viable models?
4. Can we develop a business model that has leverage, but is protected?
5. What are the business models of our direct competitors, and how do they compare to ours?

In the last three or four years, and using business method patents, “no name” companies have created new industries seemingly overnight. Understanding, developing, creating, and protecting business models are the keys to innovation. ipCG has helped clients, by:

1. Education about business models;
2. Development of business model IP;
3. Development and creation of protectable business models;
4. Understanding the intellectual property (IP) landscape that is related to a business model;
5. Providing a tool kit, to help companies understand business models, view hundreds of new business models, and adapt existing models to the companies’ benefit;
6. Providing IP strategies that further the goals of the business (ipStrategy^®) and support the business models;
7. Providing processes for identifying synergies between business units;
8. Assisting in finding partners or licensing opportunities for complementary technologies;

ipCG has been learning about business models from our clients, the press, Congress, investors, CTOs, CFOs, and CEOs. We consider it of ultimate importance that you challenge your organization to understand, develop, and protect your business models.

To obtain more information or discuss your unique challenges please contact us.