Background
An IoT module manufacturer retained Ocean Tomo, a part of J.S. Held experts, to evaluate the litigation risk and business exposure related to an end product and develop a proactive defense strategy. IoT modules use technologies from multiple suppliers. IoT modules, in turn, are integrated by the system integrators into final product solutions. When an end product is exposed to patent assertion, all players in the supply chain may have to participate in the execution of the defensive strategy.
Engagement
Evaluate business exposure for the IoT module manufacturer if/when the end product may be exposed to patent assertion. Develop a plan for proactive defense preparation. The intellectual property and technical experts assessed:
Business exposure to the patent assertion launched against the IoT module manufacturer’s client (end product
vendor).
Risk of future assertion across a range of technologies. Prioritization of technology areas that would be most likely at risk and which would create the highest business exposure to the IoT module vendor.
Results
The client has become well prepared for the anticipated assertions across the IoT supply chain and has established a
process for effective response in the event of such assertion.