Guiding lines:
8. PRODUCTS
This section should describe the products so that a non-specialist can understand what you are talking about.
Present products
• How mature are your products?
• Has it been upgraded?
• When will more radical changes be needed?
• How much will this cost?
• How do you intend to finance these measures?
• Do the products require extensive service?
• Who performs service?
• Do the products require extensive warranty obligations?
• How often do customers utilise warranty obligations?
- How much does this cost the company annually?
Trends
• What trends currently have an impact on your products?
• How do these trends affect the present product program?
Patents
• Has the company been granted patents or trademark protection for its products?
• For how long are these valid?
• Have any of your patents or trademarks been infringed? In what countries are the patents
or trademark protections valid?
• How well protected do you consider your products to be in the face of possible infringements or in relation to your competitors?
Licenses
• Is the company a licenser or a licensee?
• For how long are the various licenses valid?
Competitors
• What distinguishes your products from those of your competitors with regard to technology
and function?
• Is copying common in this branch of business?
• Is it easy for your competitors to copy and exploit your products? If so, how do you deal
with this?
- Where do your company’s products stand in comparison with those of your competitors?
Current development
• What product development is currently under way?
• How long has it been in progress and when will the work be completed?
• How have these development activities been financed?
Planned development
• What product development is planned?
• When is it expected to start and finish?
• How will it be financed?
Development work
• How are development activities organised?
• Are they conducted in-house or in cooperation with experts from outside? If external consultants are involved, state who they are.