The hardest part of managing IP?

The uncertainty.

No budget is large enough to seek protection on every patent worthy idea.

When selecting which cases to file, instincts do about half the job, but no one really knows which technologies are going to be the most important 5-10 years from now. Two grad students writing search software and building server storage out of lego's became Google. Typically, the larger the uncertainty in a future technology, the greater the opportunity for obtaining broad protection. However, when a technology is less speculative and more likely to be at least modestly successful, those patents and innovations, on average over time, have the best return on investment.

A rigorous process which separates the likely new products and features from the hoverboards and flying cars, will ensure an efficient and profitable IP program.