PROTECTION OF INTANGIBLE ASSETS ABROAD: A MULTIPLE CASE STUDY OF TECHNOLOGY-BASED BRAZILIAN FIRMS

Resumen

In internationalisation contexts, intangible assets constitute the foundation of firms’ competitive advantage; however, their cross-border exploitation exposes firms to risks that may erode the value of such assets and generate significant negative impacts on organisational performance. In response to this problem, this study aims to analyse how firms protect their intangible assets during their internationalisation process, identifying the mechanisms adopted and the underlying explanatory factors. Methodologically, the research adopts an explanatory qualitative approach and follows a theoretical–deductive method, operationalised through a bibliographic review combined with a multiple case study design. Primary data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews with top-tier decision-makers from two Brazilian technology-based firms intensive in intangible assets and operating internationally, complemented by secondary data (e.g. internal documents, public sources and institutional materials) derived from extensive and diverse desk research. Data analysis followed an analytical–deductive logic, grounded in theoretical propositions and systematic within- and cross-case comparison procedures, supported by theoretical–methodological and source-based triangulation. The findings indicate that the protection of intangible assets does not stem from isolated mechanisms but rather from specific dynamic configurations involving the nature of the assets, organisational specificities and firms’ internationalisation trajectories, which generate distinct risk and threat configurations and, consequently, lead to the adoption of different intangible asset protection strategies.