MINESTO is the creator of an innovative marine energy technology called ‘Deep Green’. This technology generates electricity from low-flow tidal streams and ocean currents using a unique principle similar to a stunt kite flying in the wind. The equipment developed by MINESTO consists of a wing and turbine attached by a tether to a fixed point on the ocean bed, which has minimal negative effects on the ecosystem.

The company’s team, made up of more than 50 professionals, combines basic technical skills and extensive experience in bringing new technology to market. They are an example of how to successfully include Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) in an innovation process. Since 2006, MINESTO has been turning its new tidal energy technology into patent assets before making it public and launching the products on the renewable energies market.

But the company’s Intellectual Property strategy is not limited to patents. Their trade mark strategy began at national level by protecting the company’s name and the denomination ‘Deep Green’ in Sweden in 2012. Today both brands are protected in more than 30 countries through European Union trade marks and international trade mark registrations at WIPO (Deep Green, MINESTO).

MINESTO has also developed an enforcement strategy by continuously monitoring and, if necessary, defending and enforcing their IPRs. Michael Rösman, MINESTO project manager, truly believes that ‘Intellectual Property is a resource and we will make the best possible use of all our resources.’

MINESTO’s IP strategy, based on a strong IP portfolio, has proven to be one of the key factors to their success. From the research and development phase of the innovation process, IPRs have been protecting the company against potential unfair competitors, consolidating their competitive advantage, and making them appear more attractive to potential investors.

Initial article  published here by the IP & I Team of EIT InnoEnergy.