6 things to do before you start turning your research into business

TalTech Mektory Technology transfer department IP specialist Kersti Peekma:

1. If you are working with a new device, material, or method (for example software solutions), you should consider applying for a patent or utility model.
2. Before applying consult with patent attorneys.
3. Do not publish any detailed information about your inventions, not even on social media – it will ruin the novelty of the idea.
4. Find out if there are already existing identical or similar solutions – do a search in the patent database espacenet.
5. Should you protect your trade mark? Ask for advice from a trademark attorney.
6. What is your trade name and domain? Think about it in the early stages.

Recommendations from TalTech Mektory Industry Cooperation Coordinator Allan Lahi:

1. Look into research articles and conduct a patent search before starting.
2. Justify why the existing solutions are not good enough.
3. Patent is primarily a marketing tool. A large number of patents similar to your solution shows great market potential.
4. Could someone from big companies and corporations be interested in your solution?
5. Could the technology you offer be used in another field?
6. Could the technology used in some other field also be used for your solution?