Instead, the company designs the processor architecture thats used in countless devices.
This intellectual property-basedbusinessmodelhas transformed stock markets.
Startups, however, can overlook IP protection in their initial plans.
Lind recently wrotean e-bookon how to protect and monetize their intellectual property.
He shared his top tips with TNW.
He advises them to start their research before they really need it.
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But he doesnt recommend relying on professional advisors at every turn.
Going public doesnt just mean selling a product, says Lind.
Be very careful about publishing your ideas before youve taken a view on whether somethings patentable.
Diligently identify your innovations
Innovations are the lifeblood of patents, but theyre not always easy to identify.
Many researchers and engineers dont realize that their work could be valuable IP.
Protect your rights
Experienced investors are savvy about the value of IP.
Their due diligence will likely differentiate between filing an system and receiving a granted patent.
Startups, however, often prioritize investing in R&D over protecting their IP.
Lind recalls this issue emerging at a green tech company.
The team had a very slim IP portfolio, which raised questions about its value to investors.
Its the protection that really crystallizes the value in the R&D that youre doing, says Lind.
Devise a clear IP strategy
An IP strategy should begin with clear objectives.
Registered rights are territorial, so youll need to identify where to register your IP assets.
This analysis can incorporate the territorys size, potential, costs, and effectiveness.
Careful cost forecasting and budgeting will help cover any pitfalls that emerge.
You should pursue your strategy quite aggressively, says Lind.
According to Lind, its surprisingly easy to get patents granted that dont align with your most valuable assets.
double-check your patents actually cover what the efficient and clever parts are thats very important, he says.
Your IP should also be future-proofed, as the end product can be very different to the original vision.
Keep building your portfolio
Lind advises startups to look beyond those first few patents for their big idea.
After all, each patent only lasts for 20 years.
Theyve got to keep innovating and keep patenting so they can keep that pipeline going.
Resolve your ownership issues
The cooperation of staff can be crucial to registering IP.
Signatures from inventors, designers, directors, and owners may all be required on legal documents.
If you cant get a name on the dotted line, you could have major problems.
To escape this fate, Lind recommends obtaining the necessary agreements while everyone is happy and cooperating.
And do it while everybodys still friends and prior to beginning making money.
Story byThomas Macaulay
Thomas is the managing editor of TNW.
He leads our coverage of European tech and oversees our talented team of writers.
Away from work, he e(show all)Thomas is the managing editor of TNW.
He leads our coverage of European tech and oversees our talented team of writers.
Away from work, he enjoys playing chess (badly) and the guitar (even worse).
