Exploring a Sense of Intellectual Property Valuation for Indian SMEs

Abstract

As intellectual property (IP) has become an integral part of business strategy, the valuation of these assets has become more and more critical. Consequently, the strategic decisions of Indian SMEs also increasingly depend on understanding the economics affecting the value of these assets and most crucially appraising the approximate value of their IP. In this light, the paper reviews the principal approaches and methods used to evaluate an IP asset and proposes a framework to help the Indian SMEs to select an appropriate approach for effective valuation of their IP. In the background, paper discusses various scenarios where IP valuation is required and needed for SMEs and also explores some problems and issues generally faced/reported by the Indian SMEs in IP valuation. Further, the paper examines the broadening set of channels through which SMEs can exploit their IP. The paper provides five constructive building blocks (descriptions of IP assets, valuation purpose, influencing factors, valuation premise and Standardizing IP valuation) for Indian SMEs to choose a viable approach. The paper concludes that the selection of an appropriate method depends upon the circumstances surrounding the valuation, including the type of IP being valued, the purpose of valuation, the basis of valuation and most importantly the availability of information. The clear understanding of the underlying assumptions and theories behind the various valuation methodologies will assist the Indian SMEs greatly in negotiations for the sales or licensing of their intellectual property.