The proliferation of distributed computing devices, networked computing, and machine learning is rapidly changing the way we live, work, and play. Recently, the convergence of these trends is being called the Fourth Industrial Revolution, Industry 4.0, or simply I4. These blanket terms encompass a wide range of developments, including the increasing refinement, deployment, and integration of cyber-physical systems, the Internet of Things (IoT), cognitive computing, cloud computing, and robotics.
Inventions in Industry 4.0 are occurring across technology areas in ways that could not have been anticipated a decade ago. Digital modeling, computer-integrated manufacturing, smart materials, and industrial control systems are being combined to lead to manufacturing capabilities and manufactured products that represent complex and significant leaps forward over previous capabilities and products.
With the speed of innovation ever-accelerating, now is the ideal time to review your intellectual property and position your portfolio for Industry 4.0. At a minimum, review the coverage of all of your intangible assets, including patents and trademarks. Also, take stock of your important confidential information, and whether you are taking proper steps to protect that information as trade secrets.
A deeper dive into your patent portfolio will help identify pending applications that can be expanded to cover technology areas impacted by Industry 4.0. Simple actions can ensure that your patent portfolio is extended to cover all Industry 4.0 technology areas. While an application filed years ago may have been originally intended to focus on one technology area, with the developments in Industry 4.0, that application may now be applicable to multiple technology areas. As one example, a cloud computing related invention might find ready use in industrial controls in a manner that would not have been appreciated when the application was filed. Once identified, those applications having cross-technology applicability can be explicitly tied into Industry 4.0. For example, continuations-in-part can be filed in the U.S. to add the Industry 4.0 use cases to such applications.
Brand protection strategies should also take Industry 4.0 into consideration. As you move into new areas of business or R&D, your trademarks and brand enforcement strategies should be adapted to new products, services, and markets.
Marbury can help efficiently analyze and supplement your portfolio to ensure it covers the diverse areas and markets impacted by Industry 4.0.
More information about Industry 4.0 is available here: https://www.weforum.org/agenda/archive/fourth-industrial-revolution