Managing intellectual property (IP) rights is of first-order importance in many organizations. To set the right strategic direction, senior executives must have an in-depth understanding of the tools and techniques that enable companies to protect their innovative products, creative works, designs, and brands. This unique program brings together leading faculty from Harvard Business School (HBS) and Harvard Law School (HLS) to discuss how IP law has evolved in recent years, where critical international differences persist, and how managers and legal counsel can exploit evolving IP regimes to better protect company assets. The program will emphasize the benefits of tightly integrating your company's approach to IP with broader strategic considerations. In many companies, managing IP rights is seen as a complex technical task that is best left to legal experts. By contrast, this program provides an approach to systematically integrating legal and strategic considerations, showing how a combination of the two perspectives can unlock additional value. In collaboration with the Program on Negotiation at HLS, participants will have an opportunity to participate in a complex IP negotiation exercise. Participating in a multi-faceted curriculum you will learn to sharpen your negotiating skills and explore ways to capture the extra value that a tighter integration of IP management and strategy promises to deliver.
In a group of experienced executives from a diverse set of industries and geographies, you will examine U.S. and international patent, copyright, and trademark laws, emphasizing how fundamental ideas have evolved in recent years. Equipped with a firm grasp of the legal landscape, you will then explore ways to integrate your company's IP management with broader strategic goals.
You will rely on case studies, interactive lectures, and a hands-on negotiation exercise to discuss effective ways to manage IP and support your company's strategic goals.
This program is designed for senior executives with a management or legal background. The program topics are particularly relevant for legal counsel responsible for IP management and executives who set strategic direction for their companies. To encourage organization-wide impact, admission preference is given to executive teams composed of four to eight individuals.
Programs, dates, fees, and faculty are subject to change.
In accordance with Harvard University policy, Harvard Business School does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, sex or sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs, veteran status, or disability in admission to, access to, treatment in, or employment in its programs and activities.