AIM Archives - Tag: patent

Unlike other areas of business, surprises are welcome when you’re developing new products.

506-Welcome-Surprise

Surprises in quality or cost control are unpleasant. But innovation relies on surprises. Without “non-obviousness,” an invention cannot even be patented. When a previously hidden customer outcome becomes known, the discovering supplier has the luxury of seeking solutions in a competition-free environment.

More in 2-minute growth video #25, Let your customers surprise you

“Here today, gone tomorrow.” This is the innovation failure mode that is seldom recognized.

128 Patents

Picture this: You develop a great new product, price it well, and profits begin flowing. This does not go unobserved by competitors who introduce a knock-off, causing prices to drop. Everyone noticed the initial success, but few noticed the failure: Aggressive patent homework might have kept those profits flowing for years. Depressing… if you noticed.

More in New Product Blueprinting article, Are You Maximizing Your Profits?