Intellectual Property (IP) systems are critical in helping new ventures transform their innovation potential and creativity into market value and competitiveness. Intellectual Property rights (IPR) allow innovative entrepreneurs to protect their inventions. They may also have multiple other functions, such as signaling current and prospective value to investors, competitors and partners, accessing knowledge markets and networks, and preventing rivals from patenting related inventions. Evidence at the firm level indicates a positive correlation between patenting and new ventures’ growth, access to venture capital and survival. Ideas need to be protected: know the IP Policy at your tertiary institution or even the workplace. Our guest lawyer Rutendo Machiridza Mugadza gives insight on Intellectual Property Rights.
