Securing and Maintaining a Strong Patent Portfolio for Pharmaceuticals.

Pharmaceutical companies may recoup the investment necessary to discover, develop, and obtain market approval for a new pharmaceutical product by securing and maintaining a strong patent portfolio. To maximize patent protection and value, companies should develop a patent strategy that aligns with business goals, establish patent awareness within the company and procedures for identifying patentable inventions, and prepare applications with an eye toward monetization. Companies also should proactively manage their patent portfolios, focusing on patents of high value.