The Intellectual Property Solution for the Ever-Evolving Startup
Time and time again, we hear from our clients (most of whom are startups themselves) that execution is more important than ideas. They come to us, convinced that ideas can be changed. And if you’re still constantly changing your idea, why bother with patents?
This may surprise you, but we agree! Startups should apply for patents only when they are past their early stages, and define what their core business idea looks like. Unless your startup truly has a revolutionary idea — you know, the kind that re-defines an entire market with its groundbreaking new technology — you should not apply for a patent. Realistically speaking, very few startups have developed their idea to the extent that we’d call it “groundbreaking” — so yes, you should hold off on the patent!
However, there are ways to still protect your idea while it’s still in development that don’t require you to fully invest in a patent before you’re ready (and we would never encourage entrepreneurs to apply for patents before they’re ready). But, if you want to test the feasibility of your idea, a provisional patent application can get you started on the road to applying for a patent.
The pros? It’s quick and inexpensive to prepare — and will give you one year of protection, allowing you to test your idea in the real world, but still have time to adjust your core business idea. They’re for the startups that want to protect their ideas ASAP, but aren’t sure whether the business model around their idea will work. After one year of protection, you can decide whether you’d like to continue to a full patent.
A provisional patent can be the answer to those startups that understand the important of protecting an idea, but aren’t ready to revolutionize their industry (yet!) While the patent process may not seem friendly towards the startups that are ever-evolving, there are plenty of workarounds if your startup is willing to think outside the traditional full-patent track.
However, one core component remains the same: idea protection is imperative for the startups that want to survive in the long-run!
At KISSPatent, we help entrepreneurs and innovators to monetize their ideas. We put the power of patent protection for your unique idea in your hands. We help startups increase their valuation, keep from getting blocked, and protect their ideas and their communities. Contact us to get started here.
Visit our Learning Hub to learn more about how intellectual properties can contribute to your startup’s success.
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