A while ago I wrote a short film Piece about the role patents play for a small business. There are many good reasons to seek and obtain patent protection.
For a small tech company, two of the bigger reasons are to add value and open lines of communication. But what about small companies that develop (or have developed) technology and are involved in public procurement? It’s a challenging question.
Patents and Skiing
i am a skier I’ve skied most of my life and there are few descents on any mountain that I can’t handle, even if some are slower than others. I like steep two black diamond descents followed by a leisurely stroll through a clearing. Few crowds and great snow.
What does this have to do with patents? It’s a good analogy. Like skiing, patents are not for everyone. From an analogous perspective, most companies venturing into patent protection dive down a green slope and graduate to a strong intermediate blue. Organizations can be familiar with the process when capturing and protecting their intellectual property. Hitting and navigating the “bumps” is part of the ride.
But throw a government contract into the mix and we’ll turn down a run labeled “For Experts Only” and “Unmarked Obstacles.” And like many double Black Diamond descents, the initial incline is gradual and inviting just before dropping off like a cliff. Why else would such a descent be called “Devil’s Crotch”? If only the titles of government contracts were so descriptive.
The purpose of patents
The basic purpose of a patent is to provide the inventor with protection for his new and useful invention from potential infringers for a limited period of time. In exchange for the inventor disclosing the invention and satisfying the requirements of patentability, the government grants him the right to bar others from making, using, selling, making, and importing what is claimed in the patent.
A patent as a form of intellectual property…
