Inventors and innovators may find that selling their patents to large corporations offers them a lucrative opportunity. It enables you to capitalize on the value of your intellectual property while giving you access to established businesses’ resources and customer base. Nevertheless, to sell your patents successfully, you must engage in strategic planning, work with experts, practice effective communication, and cultivate relationships with key decision-makers. In this article, we will discuss eleven essential steps that will assist you in navigating the process and maximizing your chances of concluding a deal with a large company. These steps are designed to help you make the most of your opportunities.
The Definition of a Large Company
When discussing the purchase of patents, the term “large companies” refers to businesses with annual revenue in the billions of dollars and employing hundreds of thousands or even millions of people. These businesses typically have substantial resources and a wide-reaching market presence. Because of their prominent position in the business world and the possibility of forming long-term partnerships with them, Fortune 500 companies are particularly desirable targets for businesspeople.
Find a “Product Hook”
Establish a link between the inventions protected by your patents and the goods or services the major corporation provides. A product hook explains how your patents can improve or supplement their existing offerings without infringing on their intellectual property rights. It serves as a call to action for potential customers. For instance, if you have a patent for a battery technology that is more effective, you could highlight how it has the potential to revolutionize how electronic devices are made.
Find a “Patent Hook”
It would help if you looked for existing patents or research papers that cite your patents to demonstrate how they represent advancements or new directions in a particular field. Your invention will receive more credibility because of the citations, and its significance will be highlighted within the sector. Use these references to demonstrate your patents’ unique qualities and possible market value.
Find the Internal Messaging Hook
Pay attention to any statements made by the giant company’s CEO or executives that indicate a need for patents in a particular area. These statements may indicate a requirement for patents. You will receive some insight regarding the “Internal Messaging Hook” as a result. Include pertinent quotes in your presentation to align your invention with its strategic goals. This strategy demonstrates that your patents have the potential to satisfy a specific need that was identified by the leadership of the company.
Show the Market Hook
Illustrate how your patents can contribute to the future of the big company’s market. Identify emerging trends or technologies and explain how your inventions align with these developments. By doing this, you can use the “Marketing Hook” effectively. By presenting your patents as a catalyst for innovation and growth, you create a compelling case for the big company to consider your proposal.
Find the Competitive Advantage Hook
In your presentation, you should emphasize how your patents give the large company an advantage over its competitors. Determine the specific characteristics or capabilities that set your invention apart from similar products or patents already on the market. Demonstrate how the company’s distinctive qualities can help it become an industry leader and give it an advantage over its rivals in terms of performance. Using a “Competitive Advantage Hook” is a great selling angle for some of the larger companies in the world.
Determine the Right Entry Point
Find the appropriate person to speak to within the prominent company to launch the conversation with them. This could be a reference to the Chief of Intellectual Property (IP), an executive in the company, or an executive in charge of the product, depending on the particulars of the hooks that you have provided. Please make the necessary adjustments to your communication strategy to be appropriate for the situation. Be sure to use the same terminology as the individual making the decision. The chief IP counsel would be able to understand the citations, whereas the “market hook” would be understood by the business executive.
Craft Targeted Marketing Packages
Create different marketing packages that accommodate various depths of detail and degrees of complication. You should begin by providing high-level summaries, and as the conversation continues, you should gradually provide more specific information. Send these packages in emails that serve as a form of outreach, allowing for a gradual transition from initial interest to deeper engagement.
Build Strong Relationships
Spend time and energy cultivating relationships with each connection within the large company. Establish your trustworthiness and credibility by participating in meaningful conversations, offering insightful contributions, and demonstrating your dedication to working together. The likelihood of a successful partnership is increased when a good rapport is established, which may lead to additional opportunities in the future.
Seek Expert Assistance
Think about forming a partnership with a person who is an expert in patent sales so that they can assist you throughout the process. These professionals can provide helpful direction, conduct research to locate appropriate hooks, and assist in creating effective email reach-outs.
Valuation for a Successful Deal
It is necessary to exhaustively evaluate your patents whenever a transaction with a sizable corporation appears to be on the horizon. Suppose you know the current value of your intellectual property on the market. In that case, you will be able to negotiate from a position of strength and ask for a reasonable price commensurate with your patents’ commercial potential. To determine the appropriate price that is financially beneficial for both parties, it is best to seek a professional’s assistance or to use various valuation methodologies.
To summarize, selling your patents to a large company requires careful planning, strategic communication, and building relationships. You can position your inventions as valuable assets by discovering hooks that align with their products, patents, internal messaging, market trends, and competitive landscape. Ensure that your strategy is geared toward the correct entry point within the company, and develop marketing packages specifically aimed at generating interest. Throughout the process, it is essential to cultivate relationships with key decision-makers and earn their trust to succeed. Conduct a detailed valuation to guarantee you can negotiate a good deal. If you keep these steps in mind, you can increase your chances of successfully selling your patents and forging profitable partnerships with large companies.
