Companies with research and development departments spend large sums of money to develop new products and services. Even with French government subsidies ( CII or CIRgrants, INPI grants, BPI grants), these are never insignificant budgets.
R&D is a risk factor. Search, yes, but when will we find it? It’s natural to look for solutions to limit potential losses, and finally make these expenses profitable. Patents are the obvious solution. Spotlight!
My product isn’t ready yet. Do I still need to apply for a patent?
Registering your patent is the first step. It takes several months to obtain a patent. Strategically, therefore, it makes sense to file a patent as early as possible. By drafting the content of the patent with an industrial property attorney (CPI), you optimize your procedures from the outset, thanks to documents that comply with and are designed according to the requirements of the French Intellectual Property Code.
What’s patented isn’t necessarily your product itself, but the technical feature that made it possible!
In the case of an anti-wrinkle cream, for example, you could patent the molecule you use to reduce the signs of aging on the skin.
This very principle is patentable. So, even if your cream’s fragrance hasn’t been validated, or its packaging isn’t ready… go for it!
Keep a low profile!
It’s only natural to be enthusiastic, but be discreet about the nature of your work! Public disclosure of your innovation means it loses its patentability.
Read more:
3 pro tips
- Frame your relationship with an NDA (Non-disclosure agreement)
- Think about your employment contracts: is there an inventive mission or not?
- Think as early as possible about the level of protection you want (territory concerned), so that you can start the right procedures at the right time.
Register your patent with an accredited expert
Patent drafting and administrative procedures
What value does the patent bring to my company?
A patent has real financial value. As in the case of a professional machine, a person (corporate or individual) can acquire a stake in a company with a patent as a capital contribution.
The patent becomes part of the company’s assets. It increases the company’s value and offers clear growth potential! In the European Union, companies that own industrial property show better growth than those that don’t.
In your advertising, your business presentation, with financial partners… don’t forget that you own a patent!
An exclusive right
A patent is an industrial property title. Its maintenance requires the payment of annuities. What does it grant you?
- 20 years of exclusivity
- national protection
- proof to defend against counterfeiting
But owning a patent is not an absolute monopoly. You can grant licenses to exploit the invention, in exchange for financial consideration… or not! The owner of the industrial property title chooses to whom he grants the right to exploit the invention.
Did you know?
To negotiate your contracts and defend your interests, an industrial property attorney works in conjunction with a patent attorney. Their expertise is complementary.
Tell your IP advisor as soon as possible about the territories in which you are or will be developing your business. Patents are issued nationwide, so don’t miss out on a great opportunity!
À lire : Wifi costs Apple dearly: the firm is sued by Caltech for counterfeiting
Tell your IP advisor as soon as possible about the territories in which you are or will be developing your business. Patents are issued nationwide, so don’t miss out on a great opportunity!
