LONDON, May 2, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

• 73% of patent & IP directors need to invest in competitive research & analysis services
• 65% of IP and patent heads are looking for new tools for patent portfolio management
• 61% want to meet IP innovation and strategy consultants
• 57% are interested in vendors to help with patent renewals management

Ahead of the Global Patent Strategy Exchange, the Legal Exchange Network conducted research with its network of 150 Heads of IP and Patent from patent-rich and innovative companies to discover what their key challenges are and where they plan to invest in external solutions and services over the next 12 months. The full results can be accessed in a complimentary eBook available on the Global Patent Strategy Exchange website: http://bit.ly/11WQE7E

Protecting global patent portfolios is the major challenge for the majority of respondents across all industries and their investment priorities reflect this. For example, 57% need more external help with patent litigation and 65% want to invest in patent portfolio management tools in the next 12 months.

Turning their patent portfolio into a profitable company asset is a goal for many of the IP directors the Legal Exchange Network spoke with; further demonstrated by the fact that 43% of respondents are aiming to invest in valuation services over the next 12 months.

According to Iben Haasum, Director of IPR & Licensing at Chr. Hansen and Global Patent Strategy Exchange speaker, working with boards of companies to make them understand how you can drive extra value from your patents as well working with external providers is important to develop greater revenue from the patent portfolio. The full interview with Iben Haasum is available at: http://bit.ly/ZlS8pT

Peter Ericsson Nestler, Head of Patents at ST-Ericsson also joined the Legal Exchange Network to discuss how to drive revenue from the patent portfolio, the impact of the America Invents Act and how he expects the IP sector in Europe to develop. The Legal Exchange Network interview with Peter can be accessed at: http://bit.ly/18nXaGk

The Global Patent Strategy Exchange (taking place 4th - 6th June 2013, at Carton House, Dublin) is an invitation only networking forum for 60 Heads of IP and Patent looking to do more with their patent portfolios.

The complete research findings can be accessed in the Global Patent Strategy Exchange complimentary eBook, which includes an infographic on investment priorities, available here: http://bit.ly/11WQE7E

For more information about the Global Patent Strategy Exchange (taking place 4^th - 6^th June 2013 at Carton House, Dublin), including the industry leading speakers and latest agenda, please visit: http://www.globalpatentstrategyexchange.com/PR or email info@thelegalexchangenetwork.com  

If you are a Head of IP or Patent, request your invitation today online here: http://bit.ly/14TrJaE or email: info@thelegalexchangenetwork.com  

For information on solution provider opportunities email: info@thelegalexchangenetwork.com or call: +44(0)207-368-9417

SOURCE Legal Exchange Network