How can you safeguard your intellectual property as an engineering innovator?

1 Identify your IP

The first step to safeguard your IP is to identify what type of IP you have and what rights you own or need to obtain. Depending on the nature and purpose of your innovation, you may have one or more types of IP that apply to different aspects of your work. For example, a patent can protect the technical features and functions of your invention, a trademark can protect the name and logo of your product or service, a copyright can protect the expression and design of your software or documentation, and a trade secret can protect the confidential information and know-how that give you a competitive edge. You should conduct a thorough IP audit to assess what IP you have, who owns it, and how it is used or licensed.

2 Register your IP

The second step to safeguard your IP is to register it with the relevant authorities and agencies that grant and enforce IP rights. Registration can provide you with legal recognition and protection for your IP, as well as the ability to license, sell, or transfer your IP to others. Registration can also deter potential infringers and competitors from copying or misusing your IP, or allow you to take legal action against them if they do. Depending on the type and location of your IP, you may need to register it with national or regional IP offices, such as the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) or the European Patent Office (EPO), or with international IP organizations, such as the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) or the International Trademark Association (INTA).

3 Manage your IP

The third step to safeguard your IP is to manage it effectively and efficiently throughout its lifecycle. Managing your IP involves monitoring and maintaining your IP rights, as well as exploiting and maximizing your IP value. You should keep track of your IP registrations and renewals, and update them as needed to reflect any changes or improvements in your innovation. You should also monitor the market and the industry for any potential IP infringements or opportunities, and take appropriate measures to enforce or leverage your IP rights. You can also use various IP tools and strategies, such as licensing agreements, joint ventures, franchising, or open innovation, to collaborate with other innovators and stakeholders, and to generate income and impact from your IP.

4 Educate yourself and others

The fourth step to safeguard your IP is to educate yourself and others about the importance and benefits of IP protection and respect. Educating yourself means staying informed and aware of the latest IP trends, developments, and challenges in your field and sector, and learning from the best practices and experiences of other engineering innovators. Educating others means raising awareness and understanding of your IP among your team members, partners, customers, and the public, and establishing a culture and policy of IP protection and respect within your organization and network. You can also engage with various IP resources and platforms, such as IP blogs, podcasts, webinars, courses, or events, to enhance your IP knowledge and skills, and to connect with other IP experts and enthusiasts.

5 Seek professional advice

The fifth step to safeguard your IP is to seek professional advice from qualified and experienced IP specialists, such as IP attorneys, agents, consultants, or educators. Seeking professional advice can help you navigate the complex and dynamic IP landscape, and avoid common IP pitfalls and mistakes. Professional advice can also help you optimize your IP strategy and portfolio, and address any specific IP issues or questions that you may encounter along your innovation journey. You can find and contact professional IP advisors through various channels and platforms, such as IP associations, directories, forums, or referrals.

6 Review and improve your IP

The sixth and final step to safeguard your IP is to review and improve your IP regularly and systematically. Reviewing your IP means evaluating and measuring your IP performance and impact, and identifying any gaps or weaknesses in your IP protection and management. Improving your IP means taking corrective and preventive actions to address any IP problems or risks, and implementing innovative and proactive solutions to enhance your IP value and potential. You should conduct an IP review and improvement process at least once a year, or whenever there is a significant change or event in your innovation or market situation.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?