What is Intellectual Property?

Intellectual property is something original that you create, ranging from artwork to a piece of technology. The main types of IP covered in the UK are trademarks, patents, designs and copyright. An awareness of IP is important. While you don’t want people stealing your unique ideas, you also want to ensure you’re not unintentionally infringing upon someone else’s intellectual property. Generating IP can add significant value to your business, so it’s important to have a good understanding.

Why IP Matters at Every Stage of Innovation

IP protection is a critical part of your innovation journey. In the early stages, it might not seem like a priority, particularly if you’re just testing out your idea. However, if you’re collaborating with external industry partners, there is an increased risk. As your idea progresses through each Technology Readiness Level (TRL) stage, the role of IP becomes increasingly important. 

The TRL Framework and IP

TRL 2-4: Early-stage focus on concept validation and proof of concept. At these stages, ideas are still in the exploratory phase, and IP protection ensures you retain ownership over your creations. You may consider early patent filings and non-disclosure agreements with partners, investors and collaborators to secure a competitive advantage in the future.

TRL 5-7: Prototyping, testing and trials. As you progress through the TRL framework, the value of your IP increases as the innovation becomes more tangible. It’s also more likely that you will be collaborating with external partners at this stage. Depending on your contract with collaborators, there is a risk of a lack of clear IP ownership. Outsourcing, testing and trials may also provide potential IP leaks. You should make sure to formalise IP ownership as early as possible and expand patent coverage (if secured) to include potential use cases and markets. 

TRL 8-9: Completion and commercialisation. When your technology is market-ready, IP becomes a critical business asset. There is a risk of competitors reverse-engineering your product, as well as missing out on revenue opportunities by failing to license your IP. Enforcing patents and trademarks at this stage can safeguard your market position, as well as attract investors or buyers. 

Intellectual Property and Open-Source

An increasingly popular business model is the use of open-source licensing. Open source often refers to software but can also apply to hardware. For example, Prusa uses this model for their 3D printers. Under this license, people can access, use, modify and distribute your product’s software. However, even open source can be protected by intellectual property rights, such as patents and copyright. 

While open-source may not be appropriate for every project, we often recommend it to businesses early on in their venture or have created a new product that people will know nothing about. It’s a fantastic way to publicise your product and company, alongside making your product more valuable by expanding your potential customer base. Providing insight into the depth and complexity behind your product can give your business a competitive advantage!

DefProc & IP

As an innovation partner, DefProc is adept at dealing with IP. We know that navigating IP rights can be challenging, and that is where we step in to help you devise something original. Our innovative products often generate IP. We are knowledgeable about existing IP patents and designs and can create something unique for your project. For some clients, creating IP may be the sole aim of their project. H2Go is an example of this. We developed a low-cost domestic hydrogen sensor prototype. This project will form the blueprint for future domestic hydrogen sensors and will be passed on to manufacturers to create sensors based on our client’s IP. As product designers, at the end of the project, we hand over any IP so you can take the finished product away, patent it (if you choose) and generate more revenue. This also allows you to maintain control over your product.

If you’re in the early stages of product development and would like help with IP, DefProc Engineering can help you with this process. Get in touch today for a free consultation.