Nanotechnology is not only the latest buzz word in the device industry--many see it as the next frontier in medicine. With so many people trying to stake their claim in this potentially lucrative industry, the technology is experiencing a "patent goldrush," according to Chinh Pham. Pham, a patent attorney at Greenberg Traurig LLP (Boston), spoke at a MassMEDIC nanotechnology conference yesterday morning. Also head of the firm's nanotechnology practice, Pham advised attendees to patent aggressively by filing patents often and early to develop a strategic IP portfolio, provided they have the monetary support to do so. Companies should also be on top of their competition by searching the database on the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office's Web site. Finding trends based on issued patents and filings could be valuable information. Companies can take advantage of an opportunity by determining where gaps exist in a competitor's portfolio. Pham pointed out one constant--developing a patent portfolio that protects IP is critical to success.