In this special remastered episode of the DealQuest Podcast, I’m excited to revisit an early discussion with guest David Kalow. David introduces us to the importance of leveraging strategy for intellectual property (IP) for business success. With more than 35 years of experience as a lawyer working in the science and technology field, David has become one of the leading voices in intellectual property business.

LEVERAGING STRATEGY FOR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
According to David, most companies, especially startups and small businesses, are not fully utilizing the potential of their intangible assets. He states that intellectual property – including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets – is crucial for creating value and driving revenues.

There is a misconception that IP is exclusively reserved for large corporations. Nothing could be further from the truth: Companies of ANY size can benefit from leveraging IP, as it is often their most valuable asset. Whether it's through licensing agreements, joint ventures, or strategic alliances, businesses can unlock new opportunities and revenue streams by effectively leveraging their IP assets. By doing so, they not only protect their creations but also establish a solid foundation for sustainable growth and expansion.

OVERCOMING MISCONCEPTIONS AND MAXIMIZING IP OPPORTUNITIES
One of the largest misconceptions surrounding IP is the cost and complexity of IP protection. Patents may seem expensive, there are cost-effective strategies for startups and small businesses to initiate their IP journey. By aligning IP initiatives with their budget and business goals, companies can embark on a path towards securing their innovations and creating a robust IP portfolio. It’s important to remember there are many forms of IP, including but not limited to:

• Trademarks
• Copyrights
• Trade secrets
• Trade dress
• Design patents
• Database rights

Because of the diversity of forms of IP, David asserts that businesses need to adopt a comprehensive approach to IP protection. By understanding the full spectrum of IP assets available to them, companies can capitalize on a wide range of opportunities, from licensing their technology to safeguarding their brand identity, thereby enhancing their market position and value proposition.

NAVIGATING THE IP LANDSCAPE AND EMBRACING DEAL-DRIVEN GROWTH
As with any sector of business, the IP landscape is evolving every single day. As such, companies need to embrace IP for deal-driven growth. IP is not just a legal matter but a strategic imperative for businesses seeking to thrive in a competitive environment. By integrating IP considerations into their deal-making processes, companies can forge mutually beneficial partnerships, expand their market reach, and capitalize on new revenue streams.

Because of the transformative potential of IP in driving business growth, entrepreneurs are empowered to harness their creativity and innovation to achieve sustainable success. By embracing a proactive and strategic approach to IP, companies can navigate the complexities of the IP landscape and capitalize on the myriad opportunities available to them, ultimately propelling their growth trajectory and solidifying their position in the market.

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For my full discussion with David Kalow, and more on this topic and topics not featured on this blog post:
Listen to the Full DealQuest Podcast Episode Here

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FOR MORE ON DAVID KALOW:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-kalow-07196b1/
https://www.aiche.org/community/bio/david-kalow

Corey Kupfer is an expert strategist, negotiator, and dealmaker. He has more than 35 years of professional deal-making and negotiating experience. Corey is a successful entrepreneur, attorney, consultant, author, and professional speaker. He is deeply passionate about deal-driven growth. He is also the creator and host of the DealQuest Podcast.

Get deal-ready with the DealQuest Podcast with Corey Kupfer, where like-minded entrepreneurs and business leaders converge, share insights and challenges, and success stories. Equip yourself with the tools, resources, and support necessary to navigate the complex yet rewarding world of dealmaking. Dive into the world of deal-driven growth today!

On this episode of the DealQuest Podcast, Darren Horwitz joins me to discuss his extensive experience in guiding Fortune 500 and growth global brands and how branding intersections with deals. As founder of TenTen Group, a leading brands implementation firm that helps organizations plan, build, and manage brand changes, Darren is an excellent source to understanding branding and how that translates into dealmaking,

With over 35 years of experience as a successful entrepreneur, professional negotiator, and attorney, Darren is dedicated to helping businesses strategize, plan for, find, and complete deals that will help them grow faster.

THE IMPACT OF BRANDING ON DEAL VALUE
When considering an acquisition or merger, it's essential to evaluate the target company's brand strength and viability. A recognizable and well-established brand can significantly impact the perceived value of the deal. Darren emphasizes the need for brand due diligence as part of the overall assessment process.

By understanding the target company's brand equity, market positioning, and customer perception, acquirers can make informed decisions about the deal's potential impact on their own brand portfolio. Additionally, a comprehensive brand assessment can reveal opportunities for brand synergy and alignment, ultimately enhancing the value proposition of the deal.

BRAND IMPLEMENTATION IN DEAL SCENARIOS
In deal scenarios such as spin-offs or rebranding initiatives, the strategic implementation of brand changes is crucial. Darren shares real-world examples of working with Fortune 500 companies like GE to support their brand transition during a spin-off. He highlights the concept of defining a "brand MVP" – the essential elements that need to be in place on day one of the transition.

By planning and executing brand changes with precision and agility, organizations can minimize disruption and maintain brand continuity throughout the deal process. This proactive approach to brand implementation ensures a seamless transition for both internal and external stakeholders, fostering confidence and trust in the evolving brand identity.

BRANDING CONSISTENCY AND GROWTH STRATEGIES
Branding consistency is crucial for growth strategies, especially in the context of mergers, acquisitions, and spin-offs. Consistency in branding ensures that a company’s identity and messaging remain clean and unified, which in turn helps build trust and recognition amongst customers, employees, and stakeholders.

In the case of mergers and acquisitions, the acquiring company should assess the brand value of the target company, and identify opportunities for improvement. This could involve evaluating the target company’s brand management and implementation practices, as well as identifying any weaknesses or areas needing enhancement.

Ultimately, the power of branding consistency lies in the ability to create a cohesive and compelling brand experience, which can drive growth and success for the company – especially in the context of deal-driven growth strategies.

• • •

For my full discussion with Darren Horwitz, and more on this topic and topics not featured on this blog post:
Listen to the Full DealQuest Podcast Episode Here

• • •
FOR MORE ON DARREN HORWITZ:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenhorwitz/
https://www.tentengroup.com

Corey Kupfer is an expert strategist, negotiator, and dealmaker. He has more than 35 years of professional deal-making and negotiating experience. Corey is a successful entrepreneur, attorney, consultant, author, and professional speaker. He is deeply passionate about deal-driven growth. He is also the creator and host of the DealQuest Podcast.

Get deal-ready with the DealQuest Podcast with Corey Kupfer, where like-minded entrepreneurs and business leaders converge, share insights and challenges, and success stories. Equip yourself with the tools, resources, and support necessary to navigate the complex yet rewarding world of dealmaking. Dive into the world of deal-driven growth today!