HOW TO PROTECT YOUR IP AT A TRADE SHOW

It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of attending a major trade show or fair, particularly when you have worked so hard to have your new product ready to show the world. However without adequate IP protection and some practical tips, you may be putting all of your hard work at risk before you secure the first buyer….

Tal Williams, Partner at Australian Business Lawyers says:

1. Seek some form of provisional patent protection before you exhibit. If you disclose your idea before you protect, you will invalidate your claim to a patent as the technology will not be deemed ‘new and inventive’ once revealed publicly.
2. If the product is highly confidential, consider closed booths by appointment only and confidentiality agreements.
3. Speak in general terms - you may be really proud of how clever and innovative your product is, but it is best to keep the details to yourself. If someone is interested you will have the opportunity to speak with them at a later stage.
4. Visibly list your patents, copyright and trade mark information in English and the country you are visiting, as well as your Customs notifications.
5. Consider showing ‘first design copies’ or copies that have a small defect to throw IP pirates off the scent.
6. Keep a record of who is inspecting your product.
7. Beware of IP spies – mobile technology today makes it easier for spies to take photos and videos surreptitiously.

Peter Baron, Creator of the Sipahh straw and Director, Unistraw International Ltd says:

“Unistraw has exhibited at a number of the largest product trade shows in the world, including the famous Unuga food and beverage trade fair in Germany”.

“We have invested heavily in the R&D of our products, and the relevant IP protection, so when we exhibit at the shows we need to ensure we are protected until we sign on the dotted line with distributors” says Peter.

“Unistraw particularly relies on non-disclosure agreements with potential distributors to ensure valuable commercial information isn’t leaked into the marketplace”.

It’s a strategy that obviously works for Unistraw: they now have distribution contracts in over 100 countries around the world.

If you are unsure you are protected, seek the advice of an IP lawyer or patent/trade mark attorney. Also check out international protection information on our IP Passport site.