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8 tips from a patent attorney

for tech startupthe most valuable assets are often invisible. Businesses have traditionally been built on physical resources, but modern economies are increasingly driven by intangible assets. For example, the semiconductor company Arm $40 billion valuation and a reputation as the UK’s leading technology company despite never having produced a single chip. Instead, the company designs the architecture of the processors used in countless devices.

This intellectual property-based jobs model Transformed the stock market. In 1985, less than one-third of all assets in the S&P 500 were classified as intangible assets by 2020, a proportion of about 90%However, startups may overlook IP protection in their initial planning.

They’re taking big risks, according to Robert Lind, a patent attorney at intellectual property firm Marks & Clerk.Lind recently wrote E-book Learn how to protect and monetize your intellectual property. He shared his key tips on his TNW.

1. Start your research as soon as possible

According to Lind, technology companies often dismiss IP until it puts the business in creative and financial jeopardy. He advises starting research before it’s really necessary.

Unsurprisingly, Lind suggests that their teaching materials include his e-book. However, we do not recommend relying on professional advisors every time.

“Knowing it from the start lets you know when to bring in an expert and when you don’t need to bring in an expert,” says Lind.

For technology start-ups, patents are the primary form of protectable IP. Founder You should learn what patents are, how to obtain them, how to enforce them, and how to interpret third party patents.

2. Confidentiality

It goes without saying that your great idea needs to be kept private, but that’s easier said than done.

“Going public isn’t just about selling a product,” says Lind. “It can mean publishing a paper at a conference, publishing an article in a journal, or posting information on a website. Be very careful what you do.”

3. Diligently Identify Innovations

Innovation is the lifeblood of patents, but it’s not always easy to identify. Many researchers and engineers are unaware that their research can be valuable IP.

“It is very important to have regular internal reviews and set project planning milestones to consider what innovations have been made and whether they should be patented.” says Lind.