There is a strong connection between value and being innovative. Recently, Nvidia surpassed Apple as the most valuable company in the world. A few days later, Apple retook the lead. And as you might have guessed, Microsoft and Alphabet (aka Google) are not far behind. It may not surprise you to learn that these same companies lead the list of being the most innovative.
Every year, Fortune and others identify companies that are transformative; companies that invent new products, create new and efficient processes, have inspiring leaders that build a culture of brainstorming, collaboration and creation. The correlation between value and being innovative is striking.
Representing Innovative Companies
When we started our firm, we asked ourselves, “who do we want to represent?” The answer was clear: innovative companies. An innovative company is not the same as a company with an innovation. Innovative companies continually think outside of the box, have dedicated research and development to identify and implement new ideas, products, and services, and they are never idle.
Innovation, as a metric, is difficult to define. An innovative product may be attractive, have better usability, or be unique. A new process for marketing, sales, sourcing, production, or distribution may also be innovative. Even a new business model can be innovative. Each involves a spirit and culture of entrepreneurship and creativity.
Protecting Innovations: A Case Study of Tech Giants
Innovative companies are protective of their innovations. Nvidia has over 15,000 patents and files, on average, about 150 new applications per month. Apple has a little over 95,500 patents, filing more than 500 applications per month. The numbers for Alphabet, Amazon, and Microsoft are similarly impressive. While patents offer a public metric on innovative companies, each of these companies certainly mirror their patent filings with copyright, trademark and trade secret protective processes. These companies recognize, as stated by Mark Blaxill in The Invisible Edge, “Innovation without protection is philanthropy.” Each has and implements a strategy to capture and protect the innovations that its innovative culture creates. That’s great for these large multinational companies, but what does that have to do with small emerging tech start-ups?
Most innovation occurs not in large businesses but in small entities. Just as much of the economy is based on small business. And while the budgets and the aggregate number of filings are different, the statement remains the same. Innovative companies are successful and innovation without protection is philanthropy. Success and value are directly tied to an innovative culture that implements a sound IP strategy to capture and protect innovations. Remember, Nvidia started out as a three-person start-up in 1993.
Protecting Your Innovation with Martensen IP
At Martensen IP, we understand the critical importance of safeguarding your intellectual property. Our dedicated team specializes in crafting tailored IP strategies that align with your innovative vision.
Whether you're a budding startup or an established enterprise, we offer comprehensive services in patent, copyright, trademark, and trade secret protection to ensure your innovations remain secure. Partner with Martensen IP, and let us help you transform your creative ideas into valuable assets, securing your place at the forefront of innovation. Contact us to get started.
