Over the past few years, companies have learned the importance of their intellectual property. As the economy shifted into the "new economy", companies began to realize that their value was no longer solely tied to cash flow and earnings but was also strongly influenced by intangible assets. In response, companies were forced to look closely at their intangible assets and the values connected with them. Then, the new economy started to fade and the market began to correct corporate values. What remains now is an increased awareness of intangible values, and the knowledge that opportunities exist – around the world – for optimizing these values.
April 03 2002