AZ Electronic Materials (“AZ”) is a leading global producer and supplier of high quality, high-purity specialty chemical materials to manufacturers of integrated circuits (“ICs”) and flat panel displays (FPDs). The Group’s products enable the manufacture of ICs and FPDs that are integral to a wide variety of electronic devices and applications including computers, flat screen televisions, telecommunications devices, industrial and automotive applications and other consumer and industrial products.AZ supplies customers in all major electronics manufacturing regions, including Asia, Europe and the United States.
AZ was originally a part of Hoechst AG, a German chemicals company (now Sanofi-Aventis), and in the 1950’s developed the first positive photoresist. AZ has been at the forefront of this technology ever since. As electronics manufacturers continually seek ways to design faster, smaller, and more reliable devices, AZ applies its technical knowledge and expertise toward new generations of products that meet the needs of the fast-paced electronic materials industry.
In 2004, AZ was acquired from Clariant by The Carlyle Group. In 2007, Vestar Capital Partners acquired a stake in the AZ business.
In 2010, AZ’s Chief Financial Officer approached Coller IP with a request to investigate the status of its IP portfolio and to ensure that the IP continued to add value to AZ’s operations.
Coller IP worked with AZ personnel to carry out an audit of the full range of intellectual capital within its main research divisions. Following the audit, we were able to evaluate the IP and highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the intellectual capital in each of the divisions. We were also able to highlight the position of each of the AZ patent portfolios on the global competitive landscape and which aspects were of particular value going forward. We continue to advise AZ on board room strategy, including structuring, IP management, the appointment of IP managers and board room targets and reporting.
“Coller IP gave us advice on the full range of IP issues affecting our business – they have helped us put our IP in order, bring about change and have shown us where the value lies within our business”
Ken Greatbatch, Chief Financial Officer
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