In 2018, the number of European patents applied for in the Netherlands went up by 4.6% compared with the previous year.
These patents create business space. By defining your Intellectual Property rights, you are able to stop others from running off with your product. However, your competitors are able to do the exact same as you. As a result of the growing number of patent applications, the risk of infringements is also going up.
Copying without knowing it
If you unknowingly copy a competitor, they can hold you to account. You may no longer be allowed to make your product, or you may have to pay for a licence. Either way, infringement is expensive. So how do you avoid it?
Know your freedom to operate
Find out which similar techniques and products have already been patented. A freedom to operate search shows you the existing rights.
For a start-up, that can be a significant expense. But you can keep costs down by limiting the scope of the search, and a patent attorney will help you scale it to your budget.
Find your way around the world of patents
Knowing what others already own matters for any young company. In many sectors, infringement is a real risk. Understanding where those risks sit is the first step, and the foundation of a solid business strategy.