To create a new invention is a significant accomplishment, but such achievements are often swept aside by a lack of intellectual property (IP) protections. Inventors tend to rush the build, pitch, and publishing process, exposing their original concept to risk. The lack of a protection strategy opens new inventions to the risk of IP theft, so one must take action to avoid common IP missteps along the way.
Don’t Share an Idea Too Soon
The urge to share a new idea can be a powerful one, but doing so before an invention is properly protected can expose inventors to the potential for theft. A post on social media, a pitch event, or even a casual conversation might seem harmless, but if someone can protect an idea first, they will likely hold the rights. Before sharing a concept or invention, it is essential to secure authorship over that idea.
Aside from the risk of IP theft, this kind of public disclosure could disqualify an idea from patent eligibility entirely. If a concept is sufficiently widespread, a court may choose not to grant an inventor rights over their own invention. With Instant IPᴵᴾ, an inventor can create a blockchain-verified smart contract in under a minute, generating court-admissible proof of ownership without a full legal filing.
Know That Patents Aren’t the Only Option
Patents are often seen as the be-all and end-all for invention protection, but they aren’t the only way, especially in the early stages. Many founders will delay action until they can secure a patent, when more affordable protections exist that still hold up in court. Immutable authorship records and copyrights can support key content, and trade secrets through non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) can protect internal functions.
Always Track Development
From the first concept to the finished product, an idea is bound to change and adapt over time. If an inventor fails to document this development, they could lose leverage in any dispute that may arise. During legal conflict, whoever has the clearest and most consistent documentation often wins; after all, an inventor should always have a robust development timeline for their invention.
Never Overlook Non-Technical IP
As it develops, an invention will come to be associated with a brand, visual identity, and much more. Each of these elements represents IP, which contributes to the uniqueness of an invention, and each is vulnerable to theft or imitation. Trademarks and copyrights can help inventors secure these critical assets, and tools like Instant IPᴵᴾ offer a fast way to secure IP that falls outside of traditional categorization.
Don’t Wait for the Perfect Time
As it has been said throughout history, perfection is often the enemy of progress. Inventors who wait for a completed prototype, a secured investor, or formal legal support before taking action may be more assured when taking the next steps, but delays create exposure. Today’s first-to-file system demands proof over polish. As long as an inventor can show that they created their own invention, they can move forward with confidence and protection.
