Intellectual property: building a solid foundation from the outset
Published on September 23, 2025
Innovation is not just about creating new technology or launching a groundbreaking product. Its true strength also lies in the ability to protect what has been developed. However, many startups focus their efforts on developing their solution without realizing that their intellectual property is the foundation. Without a clear strategy, a brand can be challenged, an idea copied, or worse, an entire market rendered inaccessible.
This is what we discuss in our various training courses, which are available online free of charge.
Before filing a patent or trademark application
For entrepreneurs, intellectual property is much more than a formality: it is a growth strategy. Even before filing a patent or trademark, certain preliminary analyses enable them to move forward with confidence, attract investors, and establish themselves in their market.
The first step is often to take a step back and conduct landscape research, which provides an overview of the innovation landscape.
Questions that are often answered by this field research:
Who are the players involved? What are the emerging trends? In which regions of the world are deposits concentrated?
This exercise not only allows you to become more familiar with your environment, but also to identify areas that are still open to innovation.
How can you plan for growth, both here and internationally?
Very quickly, the question of the company's identity also arises.
Before investing in creating a brand, it is essential to ensure that the chosen name is available, both in your local market and in other target markets. Thorough trademark availability research prevents you from building an entire image around a sign that could be challenged later. It is a simple but strategic step to protect the credibility of a startup and allow it to evolve without any unpleasant surprises.
Another check becomes essential when it comes to moving on to commercialization. Research into freedom to operate (FTO) confirms that a product or service can be brought to market without the risk of infringement. For a startup that is about to raise funds or sign its first contracts, this is an essential guarantee of security and a strong argument for investors.
What to do before filing a patent or trademark application
Before incurring the costs of filing a patent application, it is also wise to consider whether the invention is actually protectable. This is where patentability research comes in, assessing the novelty and inventive character of a solution. This exercise avoids unnecessary investment in doomed efforts and allows resources to be focused on what is most valuable.
Finally, some companies already have information or patents identified in their sector, but struggle to draw the right conclusions. An analysis of prior art by an expert provides a strategic interpretation of these documents and helps to better position their innovation in a competitive environment.
Actions for a solid foundation
As you can see, all these steps, which are often invisible but absolutely crucial, form the foundations of a solid IP strategy. They reduce risks, guide innovation, and strengthen a startup's credibility with its partners.
If this situation sounds familiar, and you think your startup would benefit from taking one of these steps, our momentumPI service can help finance these initial strategic activities.
And the good news is that there is still time to submit your application!