Colombia always had the potential to become a major mining jurisdiction but the mining sector is now completely frozen. There is a high level of uncertainty due to the governments push to reform the mining code, create a state mining company, and new a environmental decree.
Today, the mining industry is experiencing a rapid digital transformation, where nearly every product and service supplied to mines incorporates a substantial technological element. For suppliers, this shift underscores the importance of carefully managing intellectual property when contracting with mining clients.
While the immediate focus for many companies entering the Brazilian market is simply securing or being awarded the work, intellectual property is business-critical and should be treated as such. Protecting intellectual property through well-crafted contracts is essential for businesses looking to safeguard their innovations and maintain competitive advantages.
Foreign companies and service providers are often bringing their most important intellectual property to Brazil with the hope of succesfully entering a new market. For this reason, it is important for management teams to understand both local regulations and international IP standards to ensure that a company is fully protected. Check out the first part of our Brazilian intellectual property guide.
Almost everything provided inside a mine these days by suppliers has a strong technological component as part of the offering. In many cases, the underlying technology is the only component. This is why suppliers need to take the proper steps to manage intellectual property when entering into contracts with clients.
After a long sales cycle, the immediate focus for many mining technology and service providers is simply securing or being awarded the work but intellectual property is business-critical and should be treated as such. Mining Suppliers need to ensure they have well drafted clauses that protect their intellectual property while also often giving them the ability to use the data collected to improve their solutions.
Most business executives will agree that confidentiality agreements are a necessary tool to protect their intellectual property. What often is missed is whether they are being used properly. This starts with ensuring that each employee understand why we use them, when to use them, and how they should be used.