Comments on: Acquiring previously failed startup IP is hot hot cold http://laurent.pierssens.com/2008/05/07/acquiring-previously-failed-startup-ip-is-hot-hot-cold/ about the web, technology, business and startups Sat, 18 Jul 2009 11:18:41 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9 hourly 1 By: Laurent FP http://laurent.pierssens.com/2008/05/07/acquiring-previously-failed-startup-ip-is-hot-hot-cold/comment-page-1/#comment-50 Laurent FP Wed, 07 May 2008 22:25:01 +0000 http://laurent.pierssens.com/?p=95#comment-50 Hi Marc, You're absolutely right. I like particularly the IP protection part. If you see it as a two sided question: (1) Enhancing what you have or what you want to deliver (=software), you need to be very careful and actual value can be limited. As you mention, bits and pieces such as algorithms can be integrated. (2) Protecting what you already have in place. In that case, What you may get is an extra layer of security. This part is not really visible in your offering and can help you get the respect for something you intend to do. In the first case, moving forward with an acquisition involves a lot of resources where the second one is more a tactical move. Hi Marc, You’re absolutely right. I like particularly the IP protection part. If you see it as a two sided question:

(1) Enhancing what you have or what you want to deliver (=software), you need to be very careful and actual value can be limited. As you mention, bits and pieces such as algorithms can be integrated.

(2) Protecting what you already have in place. In that case, What you may get is an extra layer of security. This part is not really visible in your offering and can help you get the respect for something you intend to do.

In the first case, moving forward with an acquisition involves a lot of resources where the second one is more a tactical move.

]]> By: Marc http://laurent.pierssens.com/2008/05/07/acquiring-previously-failed-startup-ip-is-hot-hot-cold/comment-page-1/#comment-49 Marc Wed, 07 May 2008 21:58:59 +0000 http://laurent.pierssens.com/?p=95#comment-49 Salut Laurent, I think you bring up a good point, but one should not look at it only from a technology point of vue. Yes, it is true that the technologies used can become obsolete, but the method and algorithms - not necessarily. So, if the acquisition was for the software, then yes, it's a bad idea. if the acquisition was for the method and algorithms, then, there's maybe some value in it - especially if they can use to counter some other IP lawsuit for a giant like MS. Food for thought. Salut Laurent, I think you bring up a good point, but one should not look at it only from a technology point of vue. Yes, it is true that the technologies used can become obsolete, but the method and algorithms – not necessarily.

So, if the acquisition was for the software, then yes, it’s a bad idea. if the acquisition was for the method and algorithms, then, there’s maybe some value in it – especially if they can use to counter some other IP lawsuit for a giant like MS. Food for thought.

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