Issue 2 2020

20 Acquisition International - Issue 2 2020 Nov19555 liver Baldus, a patent attorney and one of the managing partners of Splanemann Patent Attorneys in Munich, is a well-educated man. He initially began his career by studying physics, with an additional focus on computer science. In cooperation with the Bayer AG he investigated optical materials for holographic data storage solutions. After having worked as a consultant for security aspects in open networks and cryptography, Oliver received a doctorate in nuclear magnetic resonance for investigations of molecular dynamics in organic glasses. In addition, Oliver holds a German degree in business administration (Dipl.-Kfm.) with a focus on commercial information technology and finances as well as a master of law degree (LL.M.) in European Intellectual Property. Now, with more than 10 years of experience in prosecuting and litigating patents in electronics, telecommunication and information technology (IT), Oliver is also the author of numerous articles concerning the successful protection of computer programs as well as efficient IP strategies, called LEAN IP . Oliver goes into more details about the areas he focuses on. “I am specialised in prosecuting and litigating patents in electronics and computer science - for example artificial intelligence, block chain technology, internet technology, semiconductor technology, cryptography or with regard to business aspects.” In addition, Oliver also consults companies on how to best and most efficiently make use of their patents with his innovative product, called LEAN IP . LEAN IP Management is based on a paradigm change on assessing inventions and leads to dramatic costs savings for IP management. He later goes into further detail about this service and what it can provide. “The basic principle of LEAN IP is that the monetary value of the patent corresponds to the monetary value of the protected product. LEAN IP has the potential not only to reduce inefficiency in the form of wasted economic and human capital; it can also facilitate a more coherent business strategy by leveraging IP rights only where they stand to have the greatest impact.” With regards to the future, Oliver has plans for 2020 and beyond, with his main goal being to further promote LEAN IP as the revolutionary next level IP product. O Oliver Baldus is a European and German Patent Attorney and winner of the prestigious title of Leading European Patent Attorney of the Year, Germany, as awarded by Acquisition International magazine. We speak to Oliver about his work and his goals for the future. Keep it LEAN “ LEAN IP will change the IP world since only 10% of all patents have economic relevance to the firm. The other 90% can be singled out because they have no economic effect. Cost savings play an increasing role in the industry. In this context, quality matters more than quantity. Identifying, relying on and prosecuting only successful patents is the main focus of the LEAN IP strategy. “It is absolutely necessary not to focus on the mere number of patents, but instead on successful patents. It’s better to deal with fewer diamonds than with tons of coal!” laughs Oliver. “The basic principle of LEAN IP is that the monetary value of the patent corresponds to the monetary value of the protected product. Lean IP has the potential not only to reduce inefficiency in the form of wasted economic and human capital; it can also facilitate a more coherent business strategy by leveraging IP rights only where they stand to have the greatest impact.”