In innovative companies, the assets that drive true success—such as trademarks, patents, and proprietary processes—often don’t appear in traditional accounting.
While enterprise value was once primarily tied to physical assets (machinery and real estate), today over 90% of company value is comprised of intangible assets.
Companies with active patents achieve 30-50% higher valuations in acquisitions than competitors without documented IP; similarly, a well-positioned registered trademark can far exceed the value of manufacturing facilities.
Moreover, registering trademarks, patents, and designs not only helps exclude competitors but also increases the company’s book value. Especially in the EU and Switzerland, these assets can be recognized on the balance sheet as intangible assets.
Structural intellectual property (IP) is a process that begins by identifying what makes a company unique. In this process, it’s essential to rely on IP consultants who can help define an effective strategy to protect inventiveness and corporate image.
In conclusion, the ideal time to address IP is preventative, that is, before disclosing new inventions, designs, and trademarks, so as to be well-positioned in the event of conflicts with competitors. Protecting your ingenuity with the same care you dedicate to tangible assets is a fundamental strategic choice. And, once you’ve obtained industrial property rights, remember to properly record them in your company accounts!
