Patent portfolio analysis as a useful tool for identifying R&D and business opportunities--an empirical application in the nutrition and health industry

Computer aided patent portfolio analysis is a useful tool to evaluate both the R&D landscape and business opportunities. All necessary patent data can be generated from publicly accessible data bases. Patent data allow conclusions about a firm's patent activity and the quality of its patent portfolio. Further, the international and technological scope of a company's patent strategy can be assessed. This information is particularly interesting for the evaluation of a firm's innovative potential. Besides, it allows conclusions to be drawn on the innovative dynamics of the considered market segment, in this case dietary supplements. The results are shown in graphs and spider charts. In sum, we can make conclusions about the relative innovative power and patent strength of a company within the selected market segment. We draw conclusions on the importance of patents as a method of knowledge protection in this market and gather insights about the availability of companies that are potentially suitable for co-operations or acquisitions.