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Each entrepreneur had that moment of inspiration when an idea begins to take shape. Maybe it is a new product, a clever app, a unique service model, or even the right name for your business. This is a great feeling. But here is the grip: ideas are easy to admire and even copy is easy – until you know to save them.
As the CEO of an international franchise brand, I have a front-ru seat that occurs when innovation comes from reality. Over the years, I have seen businesses because they have closed their intellectual property, and I have seen others struggling when they did not. So whatever I have learned to you on the way, walk through it, not as a lawyer (because I am not one), but as someone who has manufactured a company where protecting innovation is not just smart, it is alive.
Connected: Keeping in mind the franchise ownership? Start now to find your personal list of franchises that match your lifestyle, interests and budget.
What is intellectual property (IP)?
Think of intellectual property (IP) as secret chutney behind your business. This is the name with which you came to the shower. This is a bizarre logo that only works. This is your ownership method that is better, faster or clever than everyone else. And it is worthy of protection just like any brick-and-mortar storefront.
There are many primary ‘tastes’ of IP, each serves a different purpose. A trademark protects your brand identity: your business name, logo, tagline, and possibly a jingle if you are feeling particularly creative. Cover the copyright creative stuff: that killer blog post, your instrumental video, your software code. Patent? They are for inventions, large or small, from rocket fuel to rubber spatula. And business secrets? Well, they are Hash-Hash techniques and procedures that you do not want to leave your internal circle. Think of grandmother’s cookie recipe or ownership training manual of franchise brand.
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Why is IP everything
I understood. When you are launching or scaling a business, your two-two list is a mile long. But here is the case: ignoring intellectual property can return to cut you. I have noticed that businesses have built a recognizable brand, just traded the name to find someone else. I have seen marketing content Lended Repeated without a second idea by competitors and product ideas. This is not just unfair, it is expensive.
In the world of franchising, intellectual property is everything. Our proprietary technologies and systems, training programs and digital equipment make a blueprint for franchisees across the country. Without clear security in the place, none of it will work. A franchise is just as strong as the brand behind it – and a brand is only strong as its IP.
You do not need to run a franchise to feel the effect. You may be pitching a startup founder for investors. If you have found a solid product and there is no IP security, it is a red flag. Maybe you are launching a wellness brand on Instagram. If your logo has not been trademark, you may be asked to replace it after creating a printed material and a website.
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How to protect your thoughts
Now, let me say that before you start spilling: you do not need to find out all this today. But you need to start thinking like the owner of something valuable, because you are. Start by doing research whether your business name is already in use. If this is available, check it to trademark. If you have invented some original, talk to a patent lawyer. If you are making the material, make sure you keep the accurate record and understand the basics of the copyright. And if you have found a secret recipe or an algorithm that drives your business, behave it like a gold: secure it, limit access and signs privacy agreements to team members.
Most importantly, get help. The IP law is fine and when I can talk to it from a commercial point of view, I cannot give legal advice. (There is official disconnection here: I am not a lawyer. Always consult a qualified intellectual property attorney to protect your unique business assets.) What do I do.) Be able to do It is said that by prioritizing it quickly, you can save time, money and stress in a long time.
Entrepreneurship building, brick by brick, is a journey of idea by idea. But if you do not protect what you are, then someone else can swoop and claim. This is not just disappointment, it can be disastrous for everything you have worked.
In Anago Cleaning Systems, we have spent in decades to fix our business models and protect the intellectual property running it. This is one of the reasons we are capable of growing, franchise and innovation with confidence. You do not need to create a global franchise to benefit from the same security. You just need to consider your ideas as a valuable property, and accordingly need to take steps to protect them.
Because in the world of entrepreneurship, the idea is just the beginning. How do you protect it? This turns into a business.
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Adam Powlitz is the CEO and Chairman of Anago Cleaning Systems, an international franchise brand that specializes in commercial cleanliness. The views expressed here are based on business experience and do not give legal advice. For cases of intellectual property, always consult a licensed legal professional.
Each entrepreneur had that moment of inspiration when an idea begins to take shape. Maybe it is a new product, a clever app, a unique service model, or even the right name for your business. This is a great feeling. But here is the grip: ideas are easy to admire and even copy is easy – until you know to save them.
As the CEO of an international franchise brand, I have a front-ru seat that occurs when innovation comes from reality. Over the years, I have seen businesses because they have closed their intellectual property, and I have seen others struggling when they did not. So whatever I have learned to you on the way, walk through it, not as a lawyer (because I am not one), but as someone who has manufactured a company where protecting innovation is not just smart, it is alive.
Connected: Keeping in mind the franchise ownership? Start now to find your personal list of franchises that match your lifestyle, interests and budget.
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