The intellectual property landscape is definitely experiencing a startup revolution. With global patent filings hitting record highs in 2023, driven by breakthroughs in AI, green tech, and healthcare, startups are no longer just playing defense—they're setting the rules of the game.
Protecting your innovation is essential, but traditional patents aren't always the right answer. Their strict requirements and high costs can be prohibitive, especially for early-stage innovations, startups or those with brief market lifespans. Here are two alternative protection methods worth considering.
Conducting a trademark search (also known as a clearance search) before filing an application is a critical step to increase the chances of successful registration and avoid legal disputes.
Here’s why it’s important:
Trademark offices worldwide examine applications, but the depth and scope of these examinations vary significantly. The primary distinction lies in whether the office conducts an ex officio (on its own initiative) examination for relative grounds for refusal (conflicts with prior third-party rights) in addition to absolute grounds for refusal (issues with the mark itself, such as descriptiveness, lack of distinctiveness, deceptiveness or amorality).
In today's fast-paced, innovation-driven economy, intellectual property (IP) has become a crucial yet often underappreciated factor in determining a startup's success. While many founders focus on developing their product and achieving market fit, those who strategically leverage their IP assets can gain significant competitive advantages that propel them ahead of the competition.