Patent Strategy Could Shape Financing, Valuation and Risk in Offshore Energy Projects

Companies within the offshore energy sector are no strangers to engineering innovation to unlock new reserves, improve operational efficiency and reduce project costs. While sound patent strategy has been the norm within R&D circles, those within the financial realm of the sector are now being urged to also pay close attention to intellectual property (IP) considerations. Finnegan partner Maeve O’Flynn, associate Jamie Barcombe, and patent attorney trainee Georges Khoury spoke with Offshore Magazine and discussed how IP is becoming increasingly relevant to financing discussions as offshore technologies grow more sophisticated and capital-intensive.

“A robust and thoughtful approach to patent protection indicates that a company is both innovative and competitive,” said Maeve. “For investors, assessment of a patent portfolio can provide evidence of a company’s technological assets, and can provide confidence that the technology offers a competitive advantage.”

“A considered patent strategy is an important asset for any innovative business,” said Jamie. “Building a patent portfolio that protects your innovation builds investor confidence by demonstrating that you have exclusive rights in important jurisdictions.”

“A well-structured patent portfolio provides enforceable rights that can support the company’s exclusivity to the innovative technology and protect revenue streams from competitors,” said Georges.  “For investors and lenders, this can enhance confidence that key innovations may not be readily replicated by competitors.”

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