Filing a patent application may be one of the smartest decisions a startup can make, but for many founders patents are also a source of headache. The process of filing a patent application can seem technical, expensive, and hard to navigate. I share those concerns. As a patent attorney with a background in engineering and business, I help startups protect their ideas in a way that fits their technology and growth strategy. The clients I work with don’t consider patents as just legal documents, but also business assets.

This guide addresses the key questions startups typically ask me when approaching patents and other intellectual property rights, with a clear and practical perspective on how to do it correctly in today’s tech landscape.

WEBINAR: What if we struck gold? - a Fireside chat

WEBINAR: Hardware Companies Protecting Software - a Fireside chat

I get asked about 10 times a week how to protect AI-based technologies and products. It’s a tricky question, because patenting software inventions can be very tough in the US (and Europe), as the patent office dislikes providing protection for abstract ideas.

But let’s simplify the question by just looking at what the much-discussed OpenAI has done in this space. To date, OpenAI has 12 granted US patents. We don’t know how many more are pending, likely because those applications are still unpublished. What we can say is that they don’t seem to be pursuing protection outside of the US for their technology.

WEBINAR: Hardware Companies Protecting Software - a Fireside chat

A lot of innovative, creative, and brilliant people work behind the scenes at Lightbringer. In Team Talks, you will get to know the people/experts behind the AI. This time, we want to highlight our Product Specialists, who serve as the bridge between innovative entrepreneurs and the sometimes complex world of patent applications.

Jessica Karlsson and My Reimer share how they ended up at Lightbringer, what a regular day looks like, and how they help entrepreneurs protect their groundbreaking ideas. With backgrounds in biomedicine and electrical engineering, as well as startup experience, our specialists use their diverse expertise to simplify the patent process and allow inventors to focus on what they do best: innovate.

Are you wondering how to protect your innovation from corporate giants? Concerned about the true cost of a patent?

Join us for a highly requested live Q&A session in the webinar series "Patents for Entrepreneurs," led by serial entrepreneur Ola Wassvik. This is your chance to ask experienced patent attorneys anything about IP strategy, patent costs, enforcement, and more.

Looking back, it's great to see the progress we have made. We started the year with just two product developers, and I'm happy to say we've grown into a team of six incredibly talented contributors. Each team member brings unique expertise and perspective to our mission of transforming patent protection through technology.

Happy New Year! As we move into 2025, we want to take a moment to reflect on the articles and content we published last year. From company updates to practical insights for innovators, here’s a recap of our most-read from the past year.

Lightbringer started as a simple vision: "Drive innovation by democratizing patent protection".  That vision is becoming reality. Today, we're announcing a €4.2m investment in Lightbringer in a successful funding round, led by venture capital firms Luminar Ventures, Alliance VC, and Zenith Ventures, and with participation from notable angel investors from the tech industry. 

The Swedish company Lightbringer continues to break new ground in patent protection with its advanced AI technology. The company has secured €4.2 million in a successful funding round led by venture capital firms Luminar Ventures and Alliance VC.

Are you a tech entrepreneur with growth ambitions? Do you want to learn more about how your company can maximize business value from your ideas, technology, and innovations? Take the chance to pick the brain of serial entrepreneur Ola Wassvik (Lightbringer) in our upcoming webinar.

For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), navigating the patent process can be complex and costly. However, avoiding certain common mistakes can significantly improve the chances of obtaining strong, valuable patents that align with business goals. Below, we outline the eight common pitfalls SMEs face patenting - and how you can avoid them.

In the vast landscape of innovation, ideas blossom from every corner of an innovative collaborative team. Now, let's explore the other side of the coin—what if a team member seeks your feedback on an idea to tackle a significant technical challenge? The golden rule: Never dismiss it outright with a flat "No, it won't work!" How can anyone be so certain?

One of the most powerful tools an innovator or company can have in their arsenal is a patent. As soon as you file your patent application, you are legally entitled to use the “Patent Pending” status, and it provides immediate benefits across various aspects of your business—from customer trust to investor confidence and even competitive positioning.

Are you a tech entrepreneur with growth ambitions? Do you want to learn more about how your company can maximize business value from your ideas, technology, and innovations? Take the chance to pick the brain of serial entrepreneur Ola Wassvik (Lightbringer) in our upcoming webinar.

When you're conducting a patent search, it may be a daunting task, and you may worry about missing relevant earlier documents (“prior art”). The novelty search process involves searching for existing inventions, narrowing down results, and refining your shortlist.

Here's a step-by-step guide to help streamline your approach.

Are you ready to tap into the power of collaboration, rise above internal competitors and foster a dynamic culture of idea-sharing within your team? Follow Bengt’s advice and unlock the breakthrough innovations that await through effective teamwork. Discover how leveraging the collective genius of your team can drive innovations.