Scots firms top of UK IP charts

Three Scottish companies have ranked among the top ten firms in the UK for the value of their intellectual property, according to Britain’s first-ever IP league table.

Speech Graphics, which creates facial animation technology for the entertainment industry, was one of the top ten ranking firm. Picture: Ian Rutherford

Edinburgh-based LUX Assure, which develops chemical monitoring technologies for the oil and gas sector, just missed out on top billing in the IP100, compiled by consultants at Metis Partners. The table assesses firms on their brand and reputation, critical databases, patents, software and trade secrets.

LUX came in second to Cambridge-based Data Conversion Systems, which makes digital audio equipment for the consumer market.

In third was another Edinburgh-based firm, Speech Graphics, which creates facial animation technology for the entertainment industry. FTSE 100 insurer Standard Life, which is headquartered in Edinburgh, came in sixth place overall and was judged best in the brand and reputation category.

Stephen Robertson, director and founder of Glasgow-based Metis, said the IP league table is aimed at identifying businesses which have invested significantly in their intellectual property, such as through management policies, R&D activity or IP commercialisation.

“Managing IP and recognising it as one of a business’s core assets is becoming increasingly important, and both lenders and investors already recognise its significance in underpinning a robust and scalable business model,” Robertson said.