Developing an idea is a long and expensive process. While some ideas come quickly, others take time and testing to discover whether they will be beneficial to the public.
After going through development and then the patent process, it may seem like you have jumped through every available hoop to make sure that your idea has protection. While that may be the case in the United States, if you plan on marketing your product in another country, you may need extra protection.
Here’s what you need to know about protecting your patent in other countries.
Know your team
There are a lot of requirements when you are filing a patent. If there are people on your team who are citizens of another country, there may be a foreign licensing requirement before you continue with your patent in the United States.
Keep in mind that while some countries will require you to file for a foreign license based on the members of your team, there are also countries that are more concerned with where the inventing work took place.
Here and abroad
In addition to obtaining a foreign filing license for your patent through the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, there may be requirements in the other country as well. You need to go through the World Intellectual Property Organization to make sure you followed the correct procedures for all countries involved.
Your invention took a lot of time and money to develop. While the extra processes can seem cumbersome, it is important to protect your investment and the future of your business.
