There are many challenges and aspects you need to think carefully about and plan for when launching a new product to the market.
You will probably focus on key points that are vital to the success of the launch, such as having a viable marketing strategy and the manufacturing process nailed down. However, it is also vital that you think about protecting your design.
If you talk to IP lawyers in Melbourne, for instance, they will no doubt emphasize the importance of taking steps to protect your design. If you don’t, it could far more costly than it would be to safeguard your design from commercial exploitation.
If you think that subject of intellectual property is too complicated or too expensive, you might be surprised to discover that there are some myths that need exposing on this subject.
Your design will be protected by copyright automatically
This is the biggest and most dangerous myth surrounding intellectual property rights.
The majority of commercial designs are completely protected by copyright by default. It is possible that you may enjoy a limited amount of protection from copying your design but it makes sound sense to find out how to register a design to get the level of comfort to ensure it is not easy to copy your product.
Registering a design is likely to prove expensive and too complicated
Far too many business owners are all too easily dissuaded from taking the right steps to protect their design because they think it will be too complicated and expensive.
The cost is normally a lot less than anticipated. If you use a lawyer who specifically handles IP matters, they will be able to get the best level of protection. Their fees will also likely seem very reasonable compared to what you might lose if you don’t register your design.
It is not worth getting a professional opinion on your drawings
The scope and details of your design drawings will have a big impact on what sort of level of protection you get from someone attempting to copy your idea.
Getting professional guidance on how best to present your drawings is definitely something you should do.
There is no urgency to register
It is understandable that your focus will be on making sure your product is primed and ready for launch. That means you might believe it is okay to register your design at a later date, once you have started the production and selling cycle.
It is possible to register a design after launch. But why would you want to run that risk?
The bottom line is that it is imperative you get professional guidance from an IP lawyer as soon as possible. It is not something that can wait.
You would be wise to ignore some of the myths that surround intellectual property rights and designs as a lack of action on your part could be very costly in the long run.
Don’t take the chance and compromise all of the hard work and creative effort you have put in to get your product designed and ready for launch. Get legal guidance from an IP lawyer and give yourself the best chance of protecting what could be a highly-prized commercial asset if your design is successful.