Everyone keeps reminding me that I need to protect my intellectual property (IP). So, today I spent a few hours looking at the patent process. I know I need to do this, but I’m constantly weighing the cost of protecting ideas and designs that haven’t resulted in a cent yet. Still, if I want to attract investors, I know that my company will be worth more if I have protected IP.
IP Australia has lots of great information on its website. They’ve suggested that the “application to a standard patent” process can cost about $12k per product just in Australia alone, but I’m not sure if that includes legal fees. Ouch! Afterwards, I still have to apply and pay separately for other countries.