That is an interesting business model, kind of the ARM business model. Have a firm develop mining ASIC IP, then license it to others to manufacture. ARM chips are in your android and iphones, but but ARM holdings doesn't manufacture them, just license the tech to TI, Samsung, Apple, HTC, etc.
This works when there are firms interested in in-licensing, right now the market is a little uncertain as to how many ASIC mining companies can be supported simultaneously.
I have experience with this model in products I deal with my job. There is a manufacturer named LONmark that made a chip and a protocol on how to communicate between various electronic devices. They then license the use of the chip to manufacturers all over the world that build many different types of products that want this communication ability.
In the Mining Rigs it would be far more limiting, but could still be profitable. Especially, when the ability to MAKE money
(no pun intended) is connected with the use of a product. People can see the logic in spending more money if it will be earned back.