Learn How to Harness AI to Invest in Your Company’s Future
The following is a foreword written by IPWatchdog CEO and Founder Gene Quinn for Robert Plotkin’s book, AI Armor: Securing the Future of Your AI Company With Strategic Intellectual Property.
Foreword
Gene Quinn, Founder, IPWatchdog
The battle for innovation in AI is relentless. AI Armor by Robert Plotkin is more than just a book about AI. Knowledge is power, and AI Armor provides those brave souls innovating in this space with actionable intelligence they can–and really must–use when navigating the turbulent waters of a tech industry experiencing a pivot moment.
As someone deeply entrenched in the world of intellectual property (IP) for decades, I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative power of patents for small and growing tech companies, for a variety of reasons. And this book offers a strategic manual for founders, executives, and investors in the AI sector who find themselves in a David versus Goliath scenario against the tech titans, experiencing tremendous competitive pressure from what Plotkin refers to as “Big AI.”
Throughout my career, I’ve encountered countless innovators who felt disillusioned by the common misconception that patents are either unnecessary or unhelpful, a sentiment often carefully cultivated by Big AI companies. The odd thing, however, is that while they preach that patents are not necessary, they themselves are year after year among the top patenting companies in the world. If patents are unnecessary, why do they spend so much time and money obtaining and maintaining their patent portfolios? If it is a good idea for them, why isn’t it also a good idea for you?
Big AI companies have the capacity to put smaller AI companies out of business practically overnight. Without at least some protection in place, small AI companies can get steamrolled, which is an unfortunate reality. This truth, among other reasons, is why a thoughtful patent strategy is critical. And AI Armor shatters the myth that patents are not a useful tool for small AI companies, illustrating the undeniable value of patents and trade secrets as a linchpin for growth and survival. Indeed, as Plotkin eloquently explains, patents are often the only defense against an onslaught by larger entities.
But the value of IP extends far beyond mere defense. AI Armor shines in the way that it illuminates a path forward, explaining precisely how IP can be used proactively as a valuable business asset. From facilitating fundraising to enhancing company valuation, patents are pivotal in attracting investment. They’re not just shields but also swords, enabling revenue generation through licensing opportunities that many startups overlook. And often patents and patent applications are the only real asset these fledgling companies own.
In AI Armor, you’ll discover that securing patents is akin to investing in your company’s future. They are tangible assets that signify innovation, provide credibility, and unlock potential. And the beauty of establishing a patent footprint is that you don’t need to decide at the beginning what your ultimate exit strategy will be, because whether you’re aiming for acquisition or dreaming of ringing the stock exchange bell after going public, patents amplify your company’s appeal to potential buyers and investors and the initial steps and strategies regardless of the path are completely congruous.
AI Armor also underscores the critical importance of considering patents in your business strategy, not as an afterthought but as a foundational element of your growth. Because, as I always say, the only thing I can predict with certainty is if you don’t apply for a patent you won’t receive a patent! And this realization is so critical because so often tech companies later in their development wish they had sought protections, but by then it will be too late.
Plotkin is also honest and straightforward – sometimes patents are not the right mechanism for protecting the innovation at hand. Obtaining the right IP protection for AI requires careful evaluation of patent vs. trade secret protection. For those navigating the AI industry’s rapid pace of innovation, and inevitably on a budget and in need of the best, most complete protection you can afford, this book will be your guide and offer you an analytical framework for making thoughtful decisions about what to protect and how.
As you delve into the pages of this book you’ll gain insights derived from real-world experiences, strategies that could steer your company away from obscurity and towards the light. Whether you’re a startup grappling with the idea of patents or an established company looking to bolster your defensive arsenal, this book is for you.
Let AI Armor guide you through the intricacies of the IP landscape and empower your company to stand tall against giants. In the realm of AI, where innovation is the entrance fee, patents and trade secrets are your currency. Arm yourself with the knowledge and strategies that can lead to enduring success.
In closing, I will say that I’ve been a fan of Plotkin’s work since his first book on software many years ago. He is truly an expert in this field, and a thought leader. Learning, understanding, and implementing the strategies he lays out will lead to success, and you will no doubt become a fan of his work as I am.
Good luck, and happy inventing!
