Dr. Courage Komla Besah-Adanu, a prominent Intellectual Property (IP) expert and researcher, has issued a stern warning to young entrepreneurs regarding the “silent killer” of startups: the lack of IP awareness.
Speaking today on Bullet TV’s “Morning Target” show with Bright Nana Amfoh, Dr. Besah-Adanu revealed that many promising young innovators inadvertently hand over their businesses to competitors during public exhibitions and trade fairs.
The “Exhibition Trap”
Dr. Besah-Adanu explained that while exhibitions are vital for networking and market entry, they are often where intellectual theft begins. He noted that many young entrepreneurs rush to showcase their inventions, unique designs, or brand concepts to the public before securing any legal protection. “When you display a prototype or a unique process at an exhibition without first filing for a patent or trademark, you are essentially making a public disclosure,” Dr. Besah-Adanu asserted.
“In the world of IP, once the novelty of an invention is lost through public exposure, you may be legally barred from ever owning the rights to that invention.”
Losing the Competitive Edge
The expert highlighted a recurring trend where “big players” or savvy investors visit exhibition booths, study the unprotected mechanics of a new product, and later mass-produce it. Because the original creator lacked IP knowledge, they are left with no legal grounds to sue for infringement.
“It is heartbreaking to see a young person’s years of hard work stolen in a single afternoon because they didn’t know the difference between a patent and a trademark,” he added.
A Call for IP Education
Dr. Besah-Adanu urged the government and entrepreneurship hubs to prioritize IP education as much as they do “pitching” and “scaling.” He advised entrepreneurs to:
• File before they fly: Ensure provisional patent applications are in place before public demos.
• Use Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs): Be cautious when discussing the “secret sauce” of their business with potential partners.
• Seek Professional Guidance: Consult the Registrar General’s Department or IP practitioners to audit their business assets.
He concluded by reminding viewers that in the modern economy failing to protect it is equivalent to leaving your bank vault wide open.
