Industrial property rights for start-ups

A technical idea, a new product name or a distinctive design can make up a substantial part of a young company's value. It is all the more important to clarify at an early stage which rights make sense and when they should be filed.

Before a publication, a pitch, a trade fair or talks with investors in particular, it should be checked whether a technical development should first be protected by a patent or utility model. Publishing too early can stand in the way of later patent protection. 

We support start-ups in developing an IP strategy tailored to the company and its available budget. This includes in particular examining and filing patents and utility models, as well as protecting company and product names through trade marks and product designs through registered designs.

 

From idea to the right protection

Not every idea needs to be protected comprehensively and internationally straight away. Together with you, we clarify which rights actually make sense for your project, what costs will arise and in which countries protection is needed.

In particular, we support you with:

• Patents and utility models for technical developments
• Trade marks for company, product and project names
• Designs for the outward appearance of products
• Searches for existing rights
• Developing a national and international filing strategy
• Licence and cooperation agreements

Our aim is a pragmatic IP strategy that fits your company's current stage of development.

 

Get advice early

For technical inventions, the basic rule is: file first, then publish.

Please talk to us as early as possible – even if it is not yet clear whether, and to what extent, an application for protection will be filed.