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From Concept to Patent: Securing Design Patents!
Securing a patent in the competitive world of industrial design is no small feat, but for Subinay Malhotra, it's a critical part of the creative process.
In this interview, Subinay shares the challenges and strategies involved in taking a design from concept to patent. He discusses the importance of early consideration for patent potential, meticulous documentation, and collaboration with legal experts.
At what point in the design process do you start considering the potential for a patent, and what are the key steps involved in preparing a design for a patent application? Additionally, how do you document and protect your ideas during this process?
In the design process, I start considering the potential for a patent once I’ve defined a unique and innovative concept that could be legally protected. Key steps in preparing for a patent application involve conducting a thorough prior art search to ensure novelty, drafting detailed patent claims and specifications, and often consulting with a patent attorney to navigate legal intricacies. To document and protect my ideas, I maintain meticulous records including sketches, design iterations, and technical drawings. Additionally, I timestamp and securely store digital files, and when necessary, I use non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) in collaborations to safeguard intellectual property during development stages.
Securing a patent can be a complex and lengthy process. What are some of the biggest challenges you have faced in obtaining patents for your designs?
Securing a patent can indeed be complex and time-consuming. Some of the biggest challenges I’ve faced include navigating the intricate legal requirements, ensuring the novelty and non-obviousness of designs, and addressing potential patent disputes or rejections. Working with tech giants like Samsung and OLA Electric has been advantageous, as their expert teams provide invaluable support in drafting robust patent claims, conducting thorough prior art searches, and navigating the intricacies of patent law. This collaboration enhances the likelihood of successfully obtaining patents and protects innovative ideas effectively in competitive markets.
How do you ensure that your design meets the criteria for patentability, such as novelty and non-obviousness?
To ensure, I conduct rigorous prior art searches to verify uniqueness. This involves examining existing patents, publications, and products to ensure no similar designs exist. Additionally, I focus on innovating beyond existing solutions, aiming for designs that are not obvious to someone skilled in the relevant field. Collaborating with legal experts and leveraging industry knowledge helps navigate these complexities, ensuring that my designs meet stringent patentability standards effectively.
Can you share a specific example of a design you patented? What unique features made it stand out and merit patent protection?
One specific design I patented is the 'Smart Glow' feature incorporated into the Samsung Galaxy J7 Max smartphone. This innovative feature enhanced user experience by articulating and dimensioning every curve of the phone for ergonomic comfort. The 'Smart Glow' feature itself included a ring light around the camera, serving as a colour-coded indicator for messages and notifications. This design not only improved functionality but also introduced a distinctive visual element that enhanced user interaction with the device. Patenting 'Smart Glow' with Samsung Electronics ensured that this unique feature received legal protection, recognising its novelty and innovative contribution to smartphone technology.
