Intellectual Property Strategy and Business Strategy: Connections through Innovation Strategy Introduction There has been incr

The case study provides a qualitative analysis of best practice in intellectual property strategy and commercialisation at Polartechnics Limited. A case study protocol was developed and used to conduct a face-to-face interview with the company’s Principal Scientist. Polartechnics core business is to develop and commercialise instrumentation for the screening and detection of normal, pre-cancer and cancer conditions. The case study explores Polartechnics’ strategic view and practices around intellectual property by highlighting the strengths and challenges faced by the company in its pursuit of commercial success. The case study sets out the lessons learned. The Australian Biotechnology Sector Advances in the broad field of biotechnology are occurring at a rapid rate. Intellectual property presents significant opportunities for commercial exploitation. In business terms intellectual property is commonly regarded as being linked to a firm’s competitive advantage. Companies in the Biotechnology sector that are able to sustain competitive advantage and enjoy commercial success have shown that a necessary mix of legal and non-legal mechanisms are required to minimise the risk of losing ownership and control of their creations and the associated commercialisation opportunities. The driving forces in the biotechnology sector are epitomised by any new drug, instrument or technique that has the potential to significantly change the course of health and living either directly or indirectly. The biotechnology innovation development cycle can be characterized by explorative and rigorous regulatory 1 This case was written by Dr Mile Terziovski and Amy Lai, EACC, University of Melbourne