Gaining a competitive advantage in pile foundation systems using R&D tax relief to apply for patent protection

Our construction contractor client, Quadrabuild, had already developed advanced helical pile foundation systems which had several distinct advantages within construction.

Gaining a competitive advantage in pile foundation systems using R&D tax relief to apply for patent protection
Reducing pile foundation settings from a minute to seconds

Reducing pile foundation settings from a minute to seconds

Quadrabuild’s existing helical pile foundations were already much quicker and easier to work with in a range of challenging environments than competitor products. However, they took 40-60 seconds to set and they needed to reduce this time for a large-scale industrial installation project which required 10,000 units.

Quadrabuild managed to achieve more directional manoeuvrability and significant tolerance improvements within new interfacing for the helical piles, which meant that they were able to set the foundations within just a few seconds.

The project took a significant amount of time and capital investment and, understandably, they wished to maximise and protect the value of their technology from competitors.

Maximising value through patent protection

We explored the cost vs benefits of applying for a patent and claiming Patent Box relief with Quadrabuild. The commercial advantage they would gain from protecting their technology from competitors was significant and so they decided to reinvest their previous R&D tax reliefs into the patent application.

It then became a question of maximising the value of patent protection and we worked alongside Quadrabuild to help them achieve this. This meant that they were able to focus on an income model which offered the maximum tax relief from the Patent Box regime. They realised it was more beneficial to sell their own products or licence their technology to manufacturers, rather than generate income from installations utilising the new technology.

The results

  • The claim value increased by 59% from year one to year two

  • A helical pile model which offered the most patent protection

  • Extra income from patent sales/licenses

If you want to check if you qualify for non-repayable, innovation capital or if you’re currently looking into what you can claim, we’re happy to help.