There is a new economics at play, that of virtual monopoly in which creative advantage is the starting point and intellectual property the enabling currency. The new economics offers unrivalled flexibility in terms of innovative business models, company and relationship structures, and opportunities for profit generation.

1. From creative advantage to virtual monopoly.

Close your eyes and try to conceive of a world in which your business owns and has exclusive access to the most desirable business space imaginable. That space is differentiated, wildly profitable and enables you to create extraordinary shareholder value. Above all, the space is exclusively yours...

2. The currency of virtual monopoly.

Intellectual property is the currency of virtual monopoly. It adds legal force to creative advantage to bring the new economics of virtual monopoly into play. The three major forms of intellectual property are:

• Patents - to protect technology advantage
• Trade marks - to protect brand advantage
• Copyright - to protect content advantage...

3. From currency to business model.

It is one thing to use intellectual property as business currency. It is another to make it the cornerstone of your business model. This chapter explores the business models of virtual monopoly together with some supporting trends.

4. The intellectual property company.

There are companies which have not only made intellectual property part of their business model but have taken things much further. So much further in fact that intellectual property has become part of their 'mindset' and their 'reason for existence'. These are the 'intellectual property companies' for whom business models based on virtual monopoly are a way of life...