In manufacturing and distribution, especially with mechanical technologies, innovation is often hard-won but exposed to copying.

The "rip-off risk" increases as companies expand distribution channels and grow product lines – the increased reach of operations makes it easier for bad actors to access and replicate proprietary designs.

Unchecked rip-off-risk is dangerous. Copycat products erode market share, undercut pricing, and dilute the value of company investments. Often, companies only notice the effects of the rip-off-risk when it's too late and unauthorized copycats have already captured market share. Recovery can be a game of whack-a-mole: infuriating and unwinnable.

Patent protection is a good defense to the rip-off-risk. A thoughtfully drafted patent not only deters infringement but also empowers enforcement, encourages licensing, and aids in strategic positioning. In the mechanical arts — especially where design, function, and efficiency are often optimized and intertwined — early and careful patent coverage is an asset.

A multilayered approach provides the best security against copycats. For example:

• IP audits can help identify unprotected innovations.
• Filing provisional patent applications is a best practice to safeguard for new innovations.
• Training personnel to spot patentable features can even encourage more creativity.
• If you suspect the rip-off risk has materialized, resulting in a copycat product in the market, quick legal review can prevent long-term damage.

For more information, please contact us or your regular Parker Poe contacts.