We tend to think of a patent in physical terms, like a stronger material, a more efficient gear or a novel chemical compound. It is a discrete and tangible property, something you can hold with its boundaries clearly defined. Cybersecurity, however, lives in the abstract realm of logic, code and trust. A patent here, although not for an object, is for a process — a method of defense, a new way to establish identity or a shield for the trust that underpins the global economy. This shift from a physical to digital patent is redefining what innovation looks like, what “asset” means, and how, in a world of invisible threats, it is protected.
CEOs and regulators rank cyber defense as a top business priority, which is why last year, computer and security patent filings ranked the highest in terms of volume.1 This is proof that companies are scrambling to protect market share, trust and credibility.
For more than two decades, Srinivas Tummalapenta, Master Inventor, Distinguished Engineer and CTO of IBM Consulting Cybersecurity Services, has focused on turning real-world security challenges into innovations that stand up to both attackers and auditors. With more than 25 patents to his name, he has helped redefine how intellectual property can serve as both protection and, more importantly, as tangible proof of trust.
I sat down with Mr. Tummalapenta who described what effective, sustainable security innovation looks like in practice. His vision starts with small, diverse teams that move quickly from idea to implementation, backed by a culture that balances openness with protection. But his most urgent call to action is a sharp focus on AI, the frontier where technical progress and economic value now converge.
What are some key strategies that cybersecurity leaders need to follow to convert raw technology innovation into economic value?
I’ve learned that innovation doesn’t happen in isolation. That’s why we created “patent pods,” small groups where three or four people from different backgrounds come together to hash out ideas. You might have someone from cybersecurity, someone from data management, someone from networking. That diversity produces something new — and in security, it often produces solutions that wouldn’t emerge in a traditional silo.
What many people don’t realize is that this model scales easily. I’ve seen clients with far smaller teams create their own versions — a few Slack channels, regular check-ins and leadership support are enough. The key is to bring domain and gender diversity into the mix and keep the cycle alive. Every innovation program rises, plateaus, and, unless leaders re-energize it, fades.
The discipline is in knowing when to refresh.
What are the biggest misconceptions about enterprise patent development?
One big misconception is that patents themselves are the goal. They’re not. Patents are a by-product of innovation, not the purpose of it. When companies chase patent counts or short-term licensing revenue, creativity dries up. Another trap is believing that, once you have a patent, you’re safe — someone can always cite it and go around it. The real protection comes from constantly innovating faster than others can copy you.
How do you measure the economic value of cybersecurity patents?
The ROI is not about numbers. You don’t measure value by saying, “I have 500 patents.” You measure it by how those innovations are embedded into operations, how they improve outcomes and how they differentiate you in the market.
Those improvements can save millions of dollars and allow companies to address threats faster, which is critical when you’re dealing with AI-powered attacks. The fact that these processes are patented provides the differentiation. When we talk to analysts and clients, we can point to not only the outcome but the protected innovation behind it.
Cybersecurity patents walk a fine line between openness and proprietary demands. How do you balance the two?
It’s a constant tension. Open models accelerate progress, but openness can also let people or companies with bad intent misuse the work. The goal is balance. Share what helps the community move forward; protect innovations that could be misused.
Whether code is open or protected, intent matters. You can innovate fast without abandoning responsibility.
How can cybersecurity patents foster a pro-innovation culture?
For many of us, patents are part of our legacy. The work we do for clients is important, but patents stay with you for life. That sense of ownership inspires people. When interns come in, we involve them in patent pods, and when employees see their ideas turned into patents, it sends a clear message. Innovation is not limited to senior inventors, anyone can contribute.
So yes, patents are technical artifacts, but inside a company, they are also culture markers. They show employees that their creativity matters, their ideas are protected and that they are rewarded.
Given some of the competing priorities in cybersecurity — AI-powered defenses, quantum cryptography, reskilling and training — where should CISOs focus their innovation efforts for greatest impact?
AI, without question. Quantum-safe encryption is essential work, but it’s a long-term play that requires deep cryptography expertise and collaboration with standard-setting bodies.
AI is where every company can make progress now — automating detection, triage and response; predicting threats before they happen; and simplifying the analyst’s workload. If you have to place your bets for the next few years, it’s AI. It’s the single biggest lever to build resilience and trust.
What other lessons might security executives draw from your experience?
Patents in cybersecurity are not vanity metrics, but rather proof points. They demonstrate to employees that innovation is valued, [and they] show customers and regulators that you’re serious about protecting data. And they give companies a competitive edge by embedding innovation directly into operations.
Ultimately, they are about trust. In a digital economy under constant threat, that’s the most valuable currency we have.
Curious what else Ben Hasskamp has to say? Check out his other articles on Perspectives.
1 IP Facts and Findings, WIPO, September 2025.
