At first glance, IP may seem like a topic for legal departments and tech giants. But make no mistake: for founders navigating the early chaos of product development, market entry, and investor rounds, a solid IP strategy is not an afterthought – it’s a make-or-break decision.

One key message echoed throughout the event: innovation without protection is opportunity left undefended. The Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (IPI) made this crystal clear. Their role isn’t merely to process trademarks or patents, but to equip founders with the foresight to understand what’s truly protectable– and what isn’t. Through the newly established IP Academy, they aim to close the knowledge gap that leaves many start-ups exposed. The modular format of the Academy allows entrepreneurs to build tailored know-how, from basics like patent categories to complex issues like freedom-to-operate analyses.

What’s often overlooked is the strategic dimension of IP. Filing for protection isn't just a defensive move – it can actively increase a start-up’s valuation, strengthen negotiation positions, and serve as a gatekeeper against premature competition.

Brian Rüeger, Founder of BMD Wireless, now Principal HWZ & serial entrepreneur, underscored this from hard-earned experience. His company’s early-stage patent filings became instrumental in fending off hostile acquisition attempts and building credibility in front of strategic partners. But the IP story didn’t stop at patent registration. His core advice? Don’t just ask if your idea is patentable. Ask how your IP strategy supports your business model, and how it might evolve as your product scales.

Some practical insights that stood out:

• Freedom to operate is not optional: Before investing in R&D or launching a product, founders must understand existing IP landscapes to avoid expensive legal detours.

• Start early, think globally: Filing in Switzerland is just one step. If your ambition is international, your IP approach needs to reflect that from the beginning.

• IP without context is a dead asset: The real value of IP lies in how it’s embedded in the company’s commercial roadmap. Protection must align with product-market fit, investor expectations, and long-term vision.

Too often, IP is treated as insurance rather than a growth lever. Those who treat intellectual property as a strategic asset – not just a legal safeguard – position themselves to win. Especially in competitive and capital-intensive markets, IP can be the difference between owning an idea and merely having one.

Having a robust IP strategy is not a luxury for large corporations – it’s a necessity for every entrepreneur with ambitions to scale. Whether you’re bootstrapping or already courting Series A investors, understanding how to secure your intellectual assets will define whether you’re building a house of cards or a company with staying power.

The bottom line? Founders should engage with IP professionals as early as they engage with investors. Because protecting innovation isn’t about ticking boxes. It’s about building lasting advantage.

So what’s the next step for founders? Simple: ask yourself not just what you're building, but how you're protecting it. And remember, there’s no such thing as being too early when it comes to IP. Only too late.