23 July 2025
Securing versus protecting
When launching a business, the last thing you want is to put up fences around your product or service that limit growth, lock in development, or block shifts in your business model. You want to set sail with freedom, without being held back by competitors or constrained by third-party IPR.
That is why IP should not be about protecting your business, but about securing its freedom to grow and evolve. The difference is more than just semantics–it is a shift in mindset.
Taking a security- approach ensures your boat is safe when it is launched at sea. You take all necessary precautions to prevent others from infringing on your rights. You secure the most crucial parts of your business so you can make quick moves without disrupting your entire IP framework. In this way you gain freedom instead of restrictions.
A few things to keep in mind to achieve a successful security-approach:
Align IP with your business model, not the other way round. Secure the most critical elements that allow your company to pivot and scale, rather than over-defining every possible feature to prepare for litigation.
Focus on business continuity. Secure your core technology, brand, and competitive advantage to ensure your company remains resilient through changes and challenges.
Don’t forget to think ahead. Consider how your business may evolve in the next five years. Will your current IP choices still make sense if you expand into new products, markets, or sectors?
Use IP to generate revenue. Consider licensing models, partnerships, and collaborations that allow you to expand your market reach instead of solely focusing on legal defence.
Your IP strategy should be a growth tool, not a defensive mechanism. Once you understand your scalability, you can integrate it into your IP strategy and choose registrations that are adaptable to different business models, allowing you to maintain market focus while opening opportunities for licensing and expansion in other areas.
If you want to find out more about how to secure your Speedboat business, do check out our business book on Securing Your Business.