Materials and Nanotechnology

Smart Materials

The term «Smart materials» is often used to describe materials that produce a desired effect when exposed to external stimuli. Such a stimulus could be the irradiation of light, temperature changes, mechanical forces, electrical/magnetic fields, moisture and so on. The result could, for example, be that the material changes colour, generates a voltage, or changes shape. Examples of such materials are photovoltaic, photochromatic, electrochromic, thermoelectric, piezoelectric and magnetoresistive materials.

Nanotechnology

The term «nanotechnology» is a generic term for all technology based on man-made components that measure less than 100 nanometers. Nanotechnology may be said to have taken over from microtechnology and is essential for the future production of computers, solar cells and batteries. Nanotechnology components are often so small that we need to apply quantum physics instead of classical physics to understand how they work. One example is today’s transistors, which are now so small that fundamental limitations of quantum mechanics prevent us from making them even smaller.

Industry Players

There are a number of players today working with materials and nanotechnology. These range from global tech-giants and commodity producers to research institutes and smaller start-up companies. In recent years, we have seen more start-up companies, which are spin offs from research.

Why are intellectual property rights important?

There is a large number of new entrants offering new materials, and competition between them can be fierce. Copying of technology is widespread, as reverse engineering can make it relatively simple to recreate materials and other technology based on materials. Protecting IPR is particularly important for companies that are working on different technological solutions, since the lack of such protection will almost certainly lead to your technology being copied once it achieves any kind of success. Patent protection, secrecy strategies, robust contracts, and trademark protection are some of the ways of protecting IPR.

How can we help?

Bryn Aarflot can help protect your company against competitors stealing your employees, your ideas or copying your technology. We can help you put good contracts in place, patent your technology, and protect your trademark. Effective monitoring of intangible assets increases the value of your company and makes you more attractive to investors.

We have extensive technical and legal knowledge related to digitization. Several of our advisors hold a doctorate and have several years of industry experience in the field.