Showing a prototype, sending a technical sheet and publishing a video are different situations. This guide suggests how to organize information before assessing protection for a development. You do not need to disclose its full operation to start an inquiry.
1. Separate a general description from technical detail.
To explain your needs, identify the problem addressed, intended users and project stage. Keep non-public technical characteristics for the channel and review agreed with you.
An initial summary could say: “We developed a tool to help with an assembly operation; we have a prototype and want to assess protection before presenting it.” It need not include dimensions, internal components or reproduction instructions.
2. Build a timeline of what has been shared.
Record dates, recipients, channels and materials: presentations, quotations, trade fairs, publications, trials and earlier applications. Keep versions and communications. A specific timeline makes it possible to assess the history without relying only on memory.
If disclosure has already occurred, mention it at the outset. Its effects must be assessed against the facts, dates and target territories; the same answer should not be assumed for every country.
3. Identify contributors and documents.
Collect information about contributors, resources used and signed agreements. Distinguish those who developed the solution, provided funding and plan to commercialize it. These roles may overlap but should not be confused when preparing the file.
Collaboration, employment, development and confidentiality agreements may contain relevant information. Legal review helps identify what needs clarification before filing or allowing further access.
4. Define the decision you need to make.
Explain whether you want to file an application, negotiate a licence, seek investment or assess a market launch. Identify manufacturing and sales countries too. An assessment is easier to scope when its intended decision is clear.
The review may address patentability, industrial designs, ownership, contracts or freedom to operate. These tasks do not answer the same question and need not all be commissioned together.
YOUR STARTING POINT
What to prepare for the assessment.
- General summary of the problem and development.
- Timeline of disclosures and earlier applications.
- Contributors and available agreements.
- Business decision and countries to be assessed.
You can inquire even if you do not yet have all these details.
Official sources for further reading.
Editorial review: Signaria IP · November 13, 2026