Don’t File a Patent Unless You Are Building a Business
Many inventors are told they need a patent to protect their idea. But a patent is only one of many expenses in building a business, and it comes before you know whether the product will succeed. If you aren’t willing to build the business, you probably don’t need the patent.
Leveraging the Chinese Utility Model to Protect Consumer Products
When in Rome Shenzhen (or Guangzhou or Ningbo) . . .
If your company sells consumer products, you may be overlooking a fast, affordable way to protect your IP in China. The Chinese Utility Model offers quick deterrence against copycats—even before your product hits the market. Learn why this underused tool deserves a spot in your foreign filing strategy.
Portfolio Audits Complement the Work of In-house IP Teams
Independent patent audits offer leadership a fresh, objective lens on portfolio strategy—uncovering risks, surfacing opportunities, and complementing the day-to-day work of in-house IP teams. They help validate existing approaches while challenging legacy assumptions, ensuring that patent assets remain aligned with business goals and market shifts.
Business Considerations for Foreign Filings
Before filing patents abroad, take a hard look at your business goals. This post explores how market plans, product strategy, and manufacturing decisions should shape where—and whether—you pursue foreign protection.