Are Patents Right for You?

Dr. Gillian Whitfield EPA CPAPatent Attorney

What is a Patent?

A patent gives you the right to stop others from copying, manufacturing, selling and importing your invention without your permission.

• establish early filing date • facilitate discussion without risk• deterrent effect • facilitate funding • add value to company • Board of Directors • facilitate loans • passive income opportunities

Pre-grant advantages

Are patents always the answer?

• Dyson• Aircraft seating• Cosmetics company• Barr’s Irn Bru• Boots Company plc - nurofen

How to find the way ahead?

• make your patent attorney part of your team ...• ... from the beginning • flexible approach essential• strategy development critical• educator • enthusiasm & commitment

coming together is a beginning. keeping together is progress. working together is success.

Henry Ford

Dr. Gillian Whitfield EPA CPAAstrum Intellectual Property