Enhancing Profitability Through Intellectual Property Consulting Services for SMEs

In a world where the source of corporate value is increasingly shifting towards intangible assets, many small and medium enterprises (SMEs) struggle to recognize and capitalize on their intellectual property (IP). Soaris, a consulting firm based in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture, is changing this narrative with its new service set to launch on November 17. The company's Intellectual Property Discovery Consulting Service aims to help SMEs unearth underutilized IP, transforming it into a revenue-generating resource.

Challenges Faced by SMEs and the Importance of IP Discovery

Intellectual property encompasses a range of assets, including patents, designs, trade secrets, and trademarks. However, many SMEs lack dedicated IP departments and often overlook the potential of their own assets. Effective IP management serves two primary functions: it protects business interests from unauthorized use and can serve as a lucrative revenue stream by licensing IP to others. A fundamental step toward strategic use of IP involves companies understanding what they possess—this is where Soaris steps in.

Features of the IP Discovery Consulting Service

Soaris defines intellectual property broadly, encompassing everything from patents to proprietary know-how and operational manuals. The consulting firm conducts thorough interviews with clients to identify what qualifies as intellectual property. Subsequently, they organize this information using customized hearing sheets, making it easier to strategize IP utilization moving forward. By doing so, Soaris aids SMEs in recognizing the wide array of assets available to them and provides actionable insights into maximizing their potential value.

Overview of the Consulting Service

Designed specifically for SMEs, this consulting service breaks down complex IP concepts into understandable components. The program consists of three sessions (each lasting approximately two hours), covering crucial topics such as:
1. What is Intellectual Property?
2. Discovering IP - Patents
3. Discovering IP - Trademarks
4. Discovering IP - Designs
5. Discovering IP - Utility Models
6. Discovering IP - Trade Secrets, Copyright
7. International Considerations

The target audience includes SMEs, mid-sized enterprises, and startups across various sectors including manufacturing, IT, communications, and services. The services provided include:

- Comprehensive initial assessments
- Introductory lectures on IP fundamentals
- Consulting utilizing IP discovery sheets across various categories
- Structured suggestions and action plans

To learn more about this innovative service, contact Soaris at [email protected].

The Path to Profitability Through Intellectual Property

By digging deeper into their hidden intellectual property, SMEs can set the stage for rights acquisition, strategy development for IP usage, and, ultimately, revenue generation. For instance, operational manuals used for training can be classified as intellectual property. Optimizing these manuals can streamline training processes, addressing manpower shortages by effectively incorporating more employees into business operations. This illustrates how intellectual property directly influences business management decisions.

Recent reports indicate that while intangible assets are becoming the backbone of corporate value in the US, Japan's contribution in this area remains low. According to the Cabinet Office’s IP Strategy Promotion Office's Guideline for Investment and Utilization of Intellectual Property and Intangible Assets (Version 2.0) released in March 2023, further emphasis is placed on the necessity for SMEs to leverage their intellectual property for differentiation and to enhance their corporate value.

Future Outlook

Soaris aims to leverage consulting services focused on the intellectual property of SMEs to clarify the revenue potential of intangible assets. By assisting these firms in utilizing their hidden wealth effectively, Soaris seeks to bolster the competitive edge of SMEs within economic activities.

About Soaris

Founded in September 2021 in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture, Soaris supports companies aiming to expand overseas by focusing on English communication and intellectual property management.

For inquiries regarding this service, please reach out to Soaris:

- Address: 501, Nisso Dai 18 Building, 3-7-18 Shinyokohama, Kohoku Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 222-0033, Japan
- Phone: 045-594-7624
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: Soaris