In the field of intellectual property, understanding a diverse array of technologies is key to helping clients secure meaningful protection for their innovations. As we are all aware, artificial intelligence is currently at the forefront of technological innovations. Accordingly, a few technical specialists from McCoy Russell attended an open mic night hosted by the Technology Association of Oregon (TAO) AI & Data Community. It was fun to hear what innovators in Oregon and the greater Pacific Northwest are doing to help foster AI development and stay abreast of new developments in AI. However, while listening to some entrepreneurs pitch their AI innovations, we couldn’t help but wonder if they had all thought about how to best protect their ideas. Had they all filed patent applications on their ideas before disclosing them to an audience? Were they aware that even a three-minute pitch to a small audience during a networking event constituted a public disclosure?
Securing intellectual property protection is crucial for any innovation, especially in rapidly evolving fields like artificial intelligence. Without proper safeguards, entrepreneurs risk losing their ability to patent their ideas, potentially leaving their breakthroughs vulnerable to competitors. A well-timed patent application can be the difference between maintaining a competitive edge and losing out on the benefits of one’s own ingenuity.
For those navigating the complexities of intellectual property protection, seeking guidance from experienced IP professionals is invaluable. If you’re unsure whether a disclosure—whether in a pitch, a white paper, or even a casual conversation—could impact your ability to secure a patent, consulting with knowledgeable counsel beforehand can help prevent costly mistakes. At McCoy Russell, we are committed to helping innovators safeguard their technologies so they can continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
