Recent Speeches and Working Papers

Innovation & Information Consultants, Inc. provides economic and management support to a wide variety of clients on diverse issues. While the topics covered are sometimes the subject of litigation and not able to be disclosed freely, others provide an innovative look at cutting-edge topics in the fields of economics, tax analysis, and others. Our research has informed policy makers and legislators, or has formed the basis of mediated settlements for litigious proceedings. A sample of some of our current research is provided below.

Gasoline Price Increases: Economic Theory Half Truths

Author: Peter K. Ashton

Today, whenever a refinery hiccups, a pipeline ruptures, or consumers’ appetite for gasoline increases slightly more than expected, the response has been a dramatic increase in the price of gasoline. These increases are now routinely accompanied by the typical industry response that prices must go up in order to prevent shortages and to restrict price increases would interfere with market fundamentals and would cause long lines at the pump and widespread shortages. Of course the response continues, these price increases are justified by the fundamental economic theory of supply and demand, and the resulting high profits generated by these price hikes are “healthy” for the industry. HTML | PDF

Intangible Assets and Intellectual Property Valuation

Authors: Peter K. Ashton, Lee O. Upton, III, Innovation & Information Consultants, Inc.

A rapidly changing global business environment continues to lead to heightened awareness of intellectual property matters among business executives, academics and government officials. Multinational taxation, capital budgeting, mergers and acquisitions (including spin-offs), patent litigation, licensing agreements, and brand names and trademark issues represent just a few of the intellectual property issues many businesses face on a daily business. The purpose of this article is to provide an introduction to intangible assets which will allow readers to fully understand how the appropriate valuation of intangible assets is essential to a number of intellectual property matters. HTML | PDF

Overview of Valuation — Theory and Practice

Author: Lee O. Upton, III – Innovation & Information Consultants, Inc.

Valuation theory encompasses a broad theoretical framework to assess the value of assets (including tangible, intangible and financial assets), equity interests, operating segments, and even public or closely-held companies. Valuation requires assimilation of several complex concepts drawn from the fields of economics, finance and accounting. In addition, given the myriad of potential valuation assignments, specific knowledge into the nature of the assets is essential – often including an understanding of engineering (e.g., for structural assets), physics and chemistry (e.g., for pharmaceutical entities), marketing (e.g., for brand names and trademarks), and so on. Indeed, the various needs for valuations include such varied purposes as tax valuation, estate valuation, capital budgeting needs, and mergers and acquisitions, to name just a few. HTML | PDF


Publications Recent Publications Recent Speeches & Working Papers Archived Reports & Papers If you would like to know the value of money, go and try to borrow some. BENJAMIN FRANKLIN		Recent Speeches and Working Papers Innovation & Information Consultants, Inc. provides economic and management support to a wide variety of clients on diverse issues. While the topics covered are sometimes the subject of litigation and not able to be disclosed freely, others provide an innovative look at cutting-edge topics in the fields of economics, tax analysis, and others. Our research has informed policy makers and legislators, or has formed the basis of mediated settlements for litigious proceedings. A sample of some of our current research is provided below. Gasoline Price Increases: Economic Theory Half Truths Author: Peter K. Ashton Today, whenever a refinery hiccups, a pipeline ruptures, or consumers’ appetite for gasoline increases slightly more than expected, the response has been a dramatic increase in the price of gasoline. These increases are now routinely accompanied by the typical industry response that prices must go up in order to prevent shortages and to restrict price increases would interfere with market fundamentals and would cause long lines at the pump and widespread shortages. Of course the response continues, these price increases are justified by the fundamental economic theory of supply and demand, and the resulting high profits generated by these price hikes are “healthy” for the industry. HTML \| PDF Intangible Assets and Intellectual Property Valuation Authors: Peter K. Ashton, Lee O. Upton, III, Innovation & Information Consultants, Inc. A rapidly changing global business environment continues to lead to heightened awareness of intellectual property matters among business executives, academics and government officials. Multinational taxation, capital budgeting, mergers and acquisitions (including spin-offs), patent litigation, licensing agreements, and brand names and trademark issues represent just a few of the intellectual property issues many businesses face on a daily business. The purpose of this article is to provide an introduction to intangible assets which will allow readers to fully understand how the appropriate valuation of intangible assets is essential to a number of intellectual property matters. HTML \| PDF Overview of Valuation — Theory and Practice Author: Lee O. Upton, III – Innovation & Information Consultants, Inc. Valuation theory encompasses a broad theoretical framework to assess the value of assets (including tangible, intangible and financial assets), equity interests, operating segments, and even public or closely-held companies. Valuation requires assimilation of several complex concepts drawn from the fields of economics, finance and accounting. In addition, given the myriad of potential valuation assignments, specific knowledge into the nature of the assets is essential – often including an understanding of engineering (e.g., for structural assets), physics and chemistry (e.g., for pharmaceutical entities), marketing (e.g., for brand names and trademarks), and so on. Indeed, the various needs for valuations include such varied purposes as tax valuation, estate valuation, capital budgeting needs, and mergers and acquisitions, to name just a few. HTML \| PDF