Innovation Is Paramount
You know the image of the absentminded inventor who neglects all personal and financial matters in favor of creating? Replace that with inventors no less creative, but far more savvy and you have … Apple. Microsoft. Just about every innovative and creative company that comes to mind. What they learned, or even pioneered, is what every creative inventor can take lessons from. Treat your creations, your patent portfolio like a business, and you can reap great rewards. Your patent attorney can give some helpful advice on how to do this, but here are a few things to get you started.
Hasten the Patent Process
If you are willing to pay an extra fee, you can shorten the patent decision to about one year. An alternative to this is to file with a narrow claim set, which also may be helpful in shortening the length of time it takes to get a decision. The quicker you get your patent decisions, the more quickly you can begin to build your portfolio and begin building a business around your creative processes.
Think Short, Mid, and Long-Term
Some creative people are business-oriented; others, not at all. In either case, it’s a good idea to get help from professionals to increase your odds of success. When your field is coming up with ideas that no one else has thought of, it’s even more important to protect your work in the short term…and to think ahead of long-term protections that will be needed. These may include future design patents that cover the look of your product, as well as the utility patent that covers its function.
Investors and other funding sources often look to invest in companies that are innovative and forward-thinking—but they also look for companies with a plan. Take the time to talk to your business adviser, patent attorney and marketing experts and put together a plan that will take you and your inventions into the future.
Contact your Patent Attorney to learn more.
