Robert Klinck is an online entrepreneur who also happens to be an Intellectual Property (IP) attorney. Dealing with IP is an important, but often overlooked or poorly planned part of running a business. On this episode, John and Robert discuss the different types of IP, the strategic aspects of choosing which IP to focus on, and the processes of obtaining IP rights on brand names, logos and other aspects of your business. Tune in to this episode to find out all you need to know about IP, and stake your claim in the universe.

 

Key Takeaways:

[:19] John introduces his guest for this episode — Robert Klinck.

[2:25] What is Intellectual Property (IP)? Robert talks about trademarks, patents, copyright, and trade secrets.

[6:30] John and Robert discuss if trademarks are more important than trade secrets with some examples.

[8:39] From a strategic standpoint, John loves trademarking because it helps him protect unique business processes.

[10:30] Having a good trademark, or brand name is important. Trademarks can be a huge value to your company if you do it right, but there is a dichotomy between being in the path of what people are looking for, and being unique and differentiated.

[13:32] There is some value in having a patent pending for three years before being rejected. John and Robert discuss the intricacies of patents.

[18:21] What’s a reasonable estimate for how much the process of getting a trademark is going to cost? Robert and John share their personal experiences of the process of getting a trademark.

[23:04] John gives a practical, real-world example of how he’s planning on using a patent. Robert analyzes his strategy, comparing how patents and trade secrets differ.

[28:25] Patents really belong on products, and something physical, rather than business processes.

[29:56] Robert wants people to think about the issues of IP at the outset to avoid problems later on in the future.

[34:30] Do your due diligence upfront! John reflects on a mistake he made. Keep in mind that owning a website or domain for a name doesn’t matter — only actual use, or filing an application for a trademark grants you trademark rights.

[38:49] If you’re considering a name, Robert recommends checking that someone else doesn’t already have the trademark, but also making sure that someone else isn’t already using the name, because that would give them priority over you.

[41:45] Robert shares a personal story to illustrate the fact that attorneys too, do make mistakes!

[44:48] What is Robert working on now?

[46:19] Check out Robert’s website for some great freebies — a 4-part course, books, and even a free consultation with him!

[48:13] John recommends getting a creative attorney, who can give the right advice at the right time, someone like Robert!

[50:25] What are some apps and technology that Robert uses that are integral to his life?

[52:14] Entrepreneurs need to take some quiet time to come up with and grow their ideas.

 

Mentioned in This Episode:

Klinck LLC

Robert’s Freebies

Entrepreneur’s IP Planning Playbook, by Robert Klinck

Patent Litigation Primer, by Robert Klinck

Robert Klinck on Twitter

Nest Egg Cookbook, by John Pollock

HeroX

Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS)

Calm App

Thrive Themes

King Sumo Giveaways for WordPress

Moleskine

Dan Sullivan

Think and Grow Rich, by Napoleon Hill

Humans Are Underrated: What High Achievers Know That Brilliant Machines Never Will,
by Geoff Colvin