I have a two person tech startup. Getting very warm reception on prototype and about to negotiate a pilot with a company, as well as start speaking with investors.
It’s too early to file for patent, but I know there is an issue where disclosure of the idea or product turns it into prior art/public knowledge, which you cannot then patent (save for a grace period, depending on country).
How careful were other founders in sharing info? Did you try not to put much detail on your website? Use NDAs in meetings?
Advice and experiences much appreciated!
Is it really patentable and novel? Is it some secret that it would take other companies 10 years to figure out? Do you want to hire lawyers to look at competition and beat them with a bat when you find they are violating your patent? To you have a competitor that is litigious and throws their weight around using patents?
If the answers to these are yes, patents can be nice to have. Otherwise just make yourself financially successful. Patents aren’t usually the key