In a talk that was as engaging as it was enlightening, Brent Britton broke down the crucial role intellectual property (IP) plays in today’s innovation-driven world. Whether you’re a startup founder, investor, or creative professional, understanding IP is essential for protecting your work, staying competitive, and growing your business.
The Importance of IP in Business and Innovation
Britton opened by defining intellectual property as the legal rights that protect intangible assets—like inventions, creative works, brand names, and trade secrets. These are divided into four main types: patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets.
He explained that IP is not just a legal technicality. It’s a strategic asset that drives capitalism, protects investments in research and development, and helps businesses build sustainable value. Without proper protection, innovations are easily copied, and market advantages quickly disappear.
Trademarks, Patents, and Ownership: What You Must Know
Britton emphasized the importance of trademarks in establishing brand identity. He advised entrepreneurs not to get attached to brand names before vetting them properly, including doing a trademark search and consulting with an IP attorney.
On the subject of patents, Britton explained how they protect inventions by preventing others from copying them. He also warned against publicly disclosing an invention before securing a patent, as this can compromise your rights.
Ownership was another key topic. Britton stressed that IP ownership is not automatically transferred, even if someone is paid to create something. Without a written agreement, companies can lose control over valuable assets. This is especially important when working with contractors or collaborators.
Dispelling IP Myths and Managing Ego in Innovation
One memorable moment came when Britton addressed the myth that everything worth inventing has already been invented—a false quote often attributed to a 19th-century commissioner. He encouraged innovators to ignore this mindset and continue pushing boundaries, even if that means managing internal doubts or fear of failure.
He also highlighted how ego can both help and hinder innovation. Employees often hesitate to take credit for their ideas due to fear of standing out. To combat this, Britton recommended incentivizing innovation—like offering bonuses for patentable ideas.
Understanding Copyright and Fair Use
Copyright was another major focus of the talk. Britton explained that copyright attaches automatically upon creation and lasts for the life of the author plus 70 years. He gave examples like Disney’s use of the Sonny Bono Copyright Extension Act to keep Mickey Mouse protected for decades.
He also broke down the concept of fair use, explaining that while it offers some protection for commentary, criticism, or parody, it’s often misunderstood and risky to rely on without legal guidance.
Britton cautioned businesses against assuming that citing a source protects them from copyright infringement—it doesn’t. Only originality and permission offer true protection.
Why It Matters to Investors
Strong IP protection isn’t just for legal peace of mind—it’s a major asset in business valuation. Britton explained that investors look closely at IP during due diligence. If a company doesn’t have clear ownership, it can lose value or scare off potential buyers.
He urged companies to regularly audit their IP, ensure they have the proper paperwork in place, and treat IP like any other critical business asset.
Key Takeaways
- Don’t fall in love with a brand name until it’s vetted.
- Protect your inventions with patents—before going public.
- Use written agreements to secure ownership of IP created by contractors.
- Encourage and reward employee innovation.
- Regularly audit your IP portfolio for legal clarity and investor readiness.
Want to hear it straight from Brent? Watch the full talk on Facebook.
Want to dive deeper into how to make your ideas your most valuable asset? Grab a copy of Brent’s book Ownability on Amazon.
