IP Strategy and Landscaping for Red Surcos

The Challenge

Red Surcos, an Argentinian agrochemicals company, approached Oxentia for help in developing a robust intellectual property (IP) strategy. The goal was to ensure that both existing and future innovations—ranging from valuable know-how to patentable inventions—were properly protected. To do this effectively, the strategy needed to be informed by a clear understanding of the competitive landscape and the IP positions of key industry players.

Our Approach

Oxentia’s consultants worked closely with the Red Surcos R&D team to get to the heart of their innovation process. We took time to understand how their current patents aligned with their product portfolio and, crucially, helped them identify valuable know-how that had previously gone unrecognised. This included not just the secrets of product manufacturing, but also the unique processes used to develop new products.

A detailed review of the company’s patent portfolio was carried out, assessing the strength of existing patents and identifying opportunities for improvement. Our team combined technical expertise with a practical understanding of the challenges faced in the agrochemicals sector.

The Impact

By the end of the project, Red Surcos had a much clearer appreciation of the importance of know-how in their IP strategy and how best to manage it. Some of the key actions they took as a result of our work included:

• Setting up a register to capture and manage company know-how, along with a process for identifying what’s truly valuable.
• Engaging a new patent attorney with expertise tailored to their technology area.
• Improving the way future patent applications are drafted, ensuring that know-how is protected and patent claims are broad enough to offer strong protection.
• Reducing patenting costs by focusing on the markets that matter most.
• Launching an active programme to scout for new technologies and collaborations to support ongoing product development.