Busting patent myths for startups

AS the number of patent infringement suits soars, the debate about patents stifling development of ecosystem and companies heats up. But patents still benefit inventors at large, making their know-how more valuable.

Patents are powerful, but you have to know how to manage them. Young companies rarely think about whether they need the patents, and if they do, what are their benefits.

In fact, the rules are not that complicated - an invention should be patented right away. Once sales has started, the invention is public and it is too late to register your claims - anybody can use it.

Besides, any idea comes t…