An Introduction To IP Considerations For Technology-Based Business Ventures

Introduction

Inventors are often unaware of the potential variety of IP rights they could obtain to protect their technology, particularly design rights and how they can complement patents. This paper aims to assist new and developing businesses, by exploring key points in connection with patent and design protection, and suggests strategies for developing and managing an IP portfolio that can be used to protect and grow a business.

Overall Strategy

A strong IP portfolio has a mix of rights. Whilst it is possible for one patent to be critical to a particular technology, strong protection is more often achieved through several rights, perhaps of different types.

For example, potential competitors will consider their position carefully if a product is protected by both patents, directed to different technical features, and registered designs directed to aspects of the product's appearance. A strong IP portfolio discourages competitors from producing a competing