May 2004 (Revised April 2005)
Background Note
HBS Case Collection

Intellectual Property and Strategy

By: David B. Yoffie and Deborah Freier

Format:Print
| Pages:9

Abstract

Explores the role of intellectual property in firms' strategies. Explains the legal and strategic differences between patents, copyrights, trademarks, and trade secrets and explores the multiple ways firms use these different legal protections to gain competitive advantage in the marketplace.

Keywords

Copyright; Patents; Trademarks; Competitive Advantage; Value

Citation

Yoffie, David B., and Deborah Freier. "Intellectual Property and Strategy." Harvard Business School Background Note 704-493, May 2004. (Revised April 2005.)