Martin A. Bader
BGW AG Management Advisory Group, St. Gallen-Vienna, Managing Partner, Rorschach am Bodensee, Switzerland

Frauke Rüether
Institute of Technology Management, University of St. Gallen Research Associate St. Gallen, Switzerland

Innovations and patents make important contributions towards corporate success. A survey on the top 500 patent applicants of the European Patent Office on behalf of PricewaterhouseCoopers conducted by the Institute of Technology Management at the University of St. Gallen, Switzerland and its innovation and intellectual property management advisory spin off BGW reveals the status quo of valuation procedures and methods.

Success Factors for Companies

Since innovations are of immense significance in the attainment of a competitive edge today, their protection may create durable corporate success. Innovations and patents are therefore considered to be success factors for companies of all sizes and industries. In view of companies’ increasing capital requirements, and growing exploitation opportunities on inter-national financial markets, patents are also of considerable interest for stakeholders and investors. Accordingly, the management of immaterial assets is an important element of strategic management that is constantly increasing in significance.