Strategic and operational patent management in the case of intensive licensing: how to deal with the organisational questions

The research dedicated to patent management recognises that strategic and organisational issues are closely linked. The aim of this research is, therefore, precisely to explain the organisational arrangements in the different phases of patent management as part of an external exploitation strategy via an active licensing policy. Insofar, it aims at focusing on the management of patent within an open system perspective which recognises the importance of external transfer and acquisition of patent rights. It is based on an analysis of the Thomson case, a first-rate French applicant in the field of consumer electronics and digital technologies. Thomson not only follows intensive licensing activities of internally developed, but also acquired patent rights. From that point of view, this case is particularly relevant to analyse how a firm arranges its organisational structure while considering the management of its patent portfolio within an open system approach.