IP feels fragile when we focus on ‘protecting’ it – when it actually has potential to drive real growth.
We often hear that IP strategies should focus on ‘protecting’ IP. But I see it differently:
- Protection is a myth. IP rights are like a locked door – determined people will find another way in, or just break it down.
- Protection isn’t intuitive. Most of us are focused on creating, building, and solving problems. Framing IP as “protection” makes it feel distant and obscure.
- Prioritizing protection doesn’t drive growth. It doesn’t foster the kind of thinking businesses need to scale and thrive.
Leverage = a growth mindset
That’s why I think about it differently: leveraging IP to drive business growth.
A perfect example of IP leverage? Open source. Contrary to popular belief, open source software is IP – the code is still owned by someone, and protected by copyright. The owner simply recognizes that allowing free use can generate greater business value. That’s leveraging the IP in that code – to get more.
My Granny Bailey used to say: “You can attract more bees with honey than with vinegar.”
Adopting a ‘honey‘ view of IP strategy opens doors for entrepreneurs and business leaders to LEVERAGE their IP for growth, increased valuation, and attracting acquirers, investors, and collaborators.
Take patents, for example. The traditional “protection” mindset focuses on stopping “theft.” But locked doors and patents can both be bypassed. Then what?
With a growth mindset, a patent that centres around your value proposition to enhance your company’s valuation, opening doors to capital and other concrete benefits.
Not just any patent will do that. But a patent that’s aligned with a value proposition that resonates with customers acts like a multiplier on valuation. Think of it like a stock option.
This approach also keeps your focus on your business.
It’s about the business, not the technology
A common startup mistake is seeing patents as purely about technology. In reality, they must support your business strategy to have any real effect.
Why does how you see IP matter? Who cares if you’re thinking protection and not leverage? Because how we see IP also clarifies its role for AI businesses. Growth needs a growth mindset.
Whether through patents, open source, or keeping it secret, leveraging your IP is most effective with the right mindset – and a plan.
So, let’s stop trying to hide IP under the mattress to protect it. Adopt a growth mindset instead, and get your IP working harder for you.
Business is tough, but leveraging your IP can make it a little easier.