NEW RESEARCH: Goldmine or roadblock? – how we should view patents in the fast-paced world of technology

Can a patent be both a strategic asset and a potential pitfall? New research is redefining the view of patent value and its role in the rapid development of technology.

– I question the common view that patents are clear and predictable assets. Instead, I propose a perspective that focuses on relationships, says Mimmi Hanson, industrial PhD student at the Stockholm School of Economics and patent engineer at Scania.

Through interviews, observations and analysis of patent data, she has investigated how the actions of individuals and groups shape patent values. Her doctoral thesis shows that patent value is shaped by everyday activities and human interactions and the way organizations work. The results provide valuable insights for Scania, which is in the midst of a transformation towards sustainable transportation solutions.

Scania in transformation

Interviews and analysis of Scania’s patent data show that the company has historically had a defensive patent portfolio.

– This means that patents have traditionally mainly reflected the company’s own developments and the products it puts on the market, explains Mimmi Hanson.

But as the transport industry undergoes a technological shift – with a focus on electrification, automation and connected solutions – a new approach is needed.

– The technology shift requires Scania to interact more closely with external parties and bring in outside technology.

Patents as a strategic tool

The research shows that patents can be used as a strategic tool to attract partners and control technology sharing. And it also shows that Scania needs to rethink its patents. Rather than focusing solely on protecting existing products, the company needs to adapt its IP strategy to support future innovations and collaborations.

– My research helps Scania to think differently about why they have patents and what patents they need. The focus is on adapting the IP strategy to the new demands of the technology shift.

– This may indirectly mean that Scania needs to improve collaboration between different departments to maximize the value of its patent portfolio and adapt to the new challenges and opportunities, says Mimmi Hanson.

Contact mimmi.hanson@hhs.se

More about the thesis
Mimmi Hanson will defend her doctoral thesis on April 11, 2025 at the Stockholm School of Economics. Title:The Values of Patenting: Essays on Intra-organizational Practices of Patent Valuation.