I very often speak to technicians who tell me: "Yes, but it's not an invention. It's only logical!"
In the meantime they have made (what I consider to be) an ingenious invention which they could have easily got a strong patent on. A missed opportunity. A patent enables you to create value for your company, claim the exclusive right in the market and issue licences.
What might be 'only logical' to one person, is free knowledge to someone else. That is why I help entrepreneurs recognise the assets they have.
How do you recognise an invention?
I go through the 'problem-solution-approach' with them. This is a step-by-step plan you can learn more during our free workshop. In this method we discuss questions such as:
- What is the prior art (what has already been invented)?
- How does your invention differ from the existing technology?
- What is the effect of this difference?
Based on these and other questions it becomes clear whether the innovation can be patented. If this is the case, we can take swift action and ensure that your company can get the most out of its innovation.
If, on the other hand, it appears that a patent is not the best way forward, there are other ways to restrict the dissemination of your knowledge, such as a trade secret.
