Definition
Processes that give patents real commercial value: the boundaries of claims are smoldled by existing technologies (ceilings) and commercial scope (low limits); and the high weight differential properties calculated by QFD are included as targets for patent distribution.
In detail
Intellectual Property Process (IPP) is a process that ensures patents have commercial value by determining the upper limit of claims through prior art, the lower limit through commercial scope, and using high-weight differentiated features from QFD as patent layout targets. It addresses how to convert R&D investment into protected market advantage and is closely related to TG-2 (Simplified QFD) and I2E (growth tool). Outputs include patent portfolios and claims.
Example in practice
When developing new products, the team uses QFD to identify several key differentiating features. The IP department conducts patent searches based on these, determining the existing technology boundaries, and files patents around these features while ensuring claims cover commercially important applications. They also review third-party patents to avoid infringement. The final output is a patent strategy report guiding R&D direction.