3 lessons from entrepreneurs on how to get more out of your idea or product
Avoid hassle. Collaborate more effectively. Grow faster. In this article, you’ll read how three entrepreneurs approached this with their trademark, idea and innovation. You’ll see what they did, and what it delivered. So you can benefit from it straight away.
Insight 1: How to avoid hassle with your trademark application
Nienke Hoogvliet – creative founder – and Anne Boermans – CEO and business founder – produce environmentally friendly textile dye made from seaweed through their company. When they wanted to register their trademark, everything seemed well prepared. They had a strong name and a clear concept.
However, they still received an opposition against their trademark application. This resulted in delays, adjustments and additional costs.
“We were incredibly proud that we had handled our trademark registration ourselves. And that no opposition had been filed. But it came anyway.”
The opposition meant they had to bring in a legal specialist. In the end, they were not allowed to use their name for all their products, but only for their textile dye. Frustrating, as the website was already finished. And the legal proceedings with the opposing party cost considerable time and money. The story had a positive ending: with the help of a specialized lawyer, the name was changed to Zeefier, which Nienke and Anne are very satisfied with.
What does this mean for you?
Even with good preparation, your trademark application may still face opposition. A thorough check of your name in advance helps prevent problems later on. You can carry out an initial check yourself, but if in doubt, it’s wise to involve an expert.
Quick tip:
- Check if your name is available before using it your communications. For example, search trademark registers, the trade register and online.
- Take a look at our practical guide on trademark protection.
Insight 2: How intellectual property helps you collaborate more effectively
Minagro is a start-up that develops sustainable ingredients for agriculture. The company does not supply these directly to farmers, but to major players in the agricultural value chain. From the outset, they chose a business model in which intellectual property (IP) and strong partner relationships play a central role.
Minagro uses patents to protect their investments in research, and trademarks to ensure their products remain recognisable in the long term. They clearly set out how these rights are used in contracts. This allows them to collaborate with larger parties that further develop and market the products. As a result, Minagro can grow without having to make large investments themselves.
“Thanks to IP, we can operate without having to directly own our own factories. For us, IP is not an extra, it is a fundamental part of the business.”
What does this mean for you?
IP is not just about protection; it’s also about collaboration and growth. By organising your rights and agreements properly, you can scale up with other parties without having to do everything yourself.
Quick tip:
- Think about IP not only in legal terms, but also strategically. Use IP, for example, to create opportunities for collaboration and growth.
Insight 3: How protection strengthens your position
The Flemish company Injectis developed a technology for soil remediation. Their SPIN® injection technology works like a corkscrew, introducing substances into the ground in a controlled way. This ensures the substances reach exactly the right place, while minimising disruption to the soil. From the beginning, they deliberately chose to protect their innovation with a patent. This proved to deliver more than just protection.
“We are the only ones allowed to use this technology. That gives us a strong position, especially in more complex remediation projects.”
The patent also gave them additional credibility with clients and partners. They also registered the name SPIN®, allowing their technology to stand out from traditional injection methods.
What does this mean for you?
Are you working on something innovative? Then think early on about how to protect it. This not only helps prevent copying, but also strengthens your position and builds trust with partners and investors.
Quick tip:
- Use IP not only as protection, but also as a tool for growth. A patent, for example, can help you position your innovation more strongly.
- Take a look at our smart guide on technical innovation.
What entrepreneurs consistently show us
Whether you are just starting out or already scaling up, these insights keep coming back. Not because entrepreneurs make mistakes, but because intellectual property often only becomes visible when it’s too late.
By thinking ahead about your trademark, agreements and innovations, you can prevent problems and create opportunities.
