When should I patent my technology?

Patents can be hard, but there is no need to learn the hard way. Answer the questions below to get a better understanding on your current patent needs, with valuable tips for each step.

1. Will you be showing your technology outside your company?

This includes potential customers, partners, or resellers. And remember: NDAs alone won't protect you if someone decides to copy your innovation.

Did you know:

Disclosing your invention compromises patentability in most geographies? Read how Ola learned this the hard way here:

"We partnered with another company under an NDA. Eighteen months later, they launched a product using our technology. That's when I learned NDAs aren't enough—you need patent protection"

Ola Wassvik

The patent you dread your competitors will file

Yes No

2. Are you taking in funding?

Startups with patents are 47% more likely to raise VC funding.

Ola Wassvik

How patents influence funding, valuation, and exit potential

Yes No

3. Could someone be developing similar tech right now?

This includes both competitors you know of, and actors you might not be aware of, all around the world.

"After months of development, we found out someone in Buenos Aires filed our invention three weeks before us. Three weeks. That delay cost us the patent. Don't wait—file as soon as you can."

Ola Wassvik

The patent you dread your competitors will file

Yes No

Check

Results

No, you probably don't need a patent right now.

It looks like you might not need a patent right now. If the need arises in the future, Lightbringer take care of every step. From draft to granted patent. With our digital platform empowering both our in-house attorneys and our users, we file up to 70% faster than the traditional methods, and at up to 50% cheaper.

Start free Book demo

Yes, you need a patent.

It looks like you might need a patent. At Lightbringer, we take care of every step. From draft to granted patent. With our digital platform empowering both our in-house attorneys and our users, we file up to 70% faster than the traditional methods, and at up to 50% cheaper.

Start free Book demo

FAQ

How do I know if I should file a patent now?

Ask yourself:Will you be showing your technology outside your company (to customers, partners, or resellers)? If so, the risk of disclosure may make earlier filing prudent. Are you seeking funding (investors, VCs) such that intellectual property can raise valuation or strengthen your deal? Could someone else already be working on the same idea (known or unknown competitors globally)? Filing earlier helps lock in your priority date. If you answer yes to one or more of these, filing sooner rather than later may be appropriate.

What happens if I disclose my invention before filing?

In many jurisdictions, public disclosure of your invention (for example presenting it, publishing it, or supplying it) can compromise its patentability. Delaying filing after disclosure can lead to loss of rights. Therefore, if disclosure is imminent, you may want to file or at least seek advice on filing strategy before making the invention public.

Is it always the first to invent who wins the patent?

No, in most patent systems the key date is the first to file, not the first to invent. Delaying filing risks someone else filing the same invention before you, which may cost you your rights. “One week too late = Zero rights.”

Do I need to have a fully developed product to file a patent?

Not necessarily. What’s important is that you have a clear invention, something novel, non-obvious, and with industrial application (in many jurisdictions). Filing early can help secure the priority date, even while the product evolves. But you’ll still need to ensure the disclosure in your application supports the invention adequately.

What if I choose not to patent and rely on secrecy or trade secrets?

That is a valid strategy sometimes, but it comes with risks. If you disclose your invention (to investors, partners, customers) and haven’t filed, you may lose the opportunity to patent. Also, trade secrets don’t give you exclusive rights to stop others from independent invention. The decision should be based on the competitive environment, business model, and disclosure risk.

What are the benefits of filing a patent early, even if it’s still under review (“patent pending”)?

Filing gives you a priority date and allows you to use the “Patent Pending” label, which can help build trust with customers, raise credibility with investors, and send a signal to competitors. It also locks in your position and gives you strategic options (e.g., branch into other jurisdictions) before the examination proceeds.

Does Lightbringer only cover Swedish or EU patents?

Lightbringer files directly with the European Patent Office (EPO) and the Swedish Patent Office, and collaborates with international partner firms for PCT and national filings in the US, China, Japan, and other jurisdictions. The same attorney team can coordinate your full international strategy if needed.