Does Your Export Plan Take Into Consideration Intellectual Property Protection?

Deciding when to take a product or service to a foreign market is a difficult decision. The perceived opportunities presented by the latest hot market can be tempting for a company wanting to grow. However, exporting is not without risks and challenges. Many companies expand too early without an adequate export plan that identifies the appropriate markets, partners, manufacturers, and distribution channels, or adapts the product (including design, brand, and packaging) to foreign markets.

The importance of protecting Intellectual Property (IP) rights is also often overlooked when developing an export plan. This post briefly explains why IP protection should be an important consideration for exporters prior to exporting and highlights certain common mistakes to be avoided.