The biggest number being tossed around town in recent days is the $100m in USD that Apple Computer Inc. will pay for licence to use (and had used?) Creative Technology Ltd's patented technology.
- Will this settlement encourage other fringe yet significant alleged "infringer" of the patent to play ball like Apple albeit for smaller sum?
- Singapore companies have been shown an example of how the act of registering an intellectual property promptly has been translated to real tangible benefits to the registrant.
- If Apple had NOT use the patent, would its iPods still be as successful? And Creative would have rule the MP3 world?
- I am really eager to know how much the next violator would pay?
- What is the formula used in arriving at this ball park figure of USD$100m?
What are the lessons for accountants?
- Remember to consider the benefits of IP.
- Do you know that you too have a role in safeguarding assets, tangible or intangible, purchased or internally generated?
