On IP and secrecy The relevance of intellectual property rights to design - led start - up businesses

This paper discusses how design-led start-up businesses can enhance their growth potential through securing exclusive access to intellectual property (IP). Many design-led start-up companies commonly see themselves confronted with a dilemma in that they require funds for design development as well as for overheads on the one hand, and for IP on the other. In search for an answer to the question whether or not a patent constitutes a useful and cost-effective means for start-ups to overcome competition and to secure equity investment, this paper will show a range of case studies of award winning British designs. The paper relies on the comparative study of interviews with design entrepreneurs to identify how designers can optimize the form and timing for IP protection for their start-up businesses.