Published on october 08, 2026.
Intellectual Property and Investment: Why a Good Idea Is Not Enough
Securing investment depends on much more than having a good idea, an attractive product or a growing market. For many investors, particularly in innovative businesses, it is also important to understand what makes a company difficult to replicate and whether its competitive advantages are properly protected.
This is where intellectual property can become a strategic business asset.
IP can demonstrate business value
Patents, trademarks, trade secrets, software, designs and other intangible assets can form part of the value a company is building. According to WIPO and Luiss Business School, global investment in intangible assets grew 3.7 times faster than investment in tangible assets between 2008 and 2024. These intangible assets include research and development, software, data, trademarks and designs.
For an investor, this can help answer a fundamental question: what does this company have that competitors cannot easily replicate?
Patents and trademarks can also serve as signals
The relationship between intellectual property and financing has been examined in research on startups. One study found that patents and trademarks can have positive effects on venture capital financing and that using both forms of IP can be particularly relevant during initial funding rounds.
This does not mean that obtaining a patent or registering a trademark guarantees investment. Rather, a well-designed IP portfolio can demonstrate that a company has identified and protected some of the assets underlying its business model.
What should businesses protect before seeking investment?
Before presenting a company to investors, it is important to determine who owns the technology, trademark, software, designs and confidential information involved in the business.
Companies should also review agreements with employees, partners, contractors and suppliers to ensure that ownership and exploitation rights are properly addressed.
For foreign businesses planning to invest in or expand into Mexico, this becomes particularly important when the strategy involves introducing a trademark, developing technology locally, establishing partnerships or commercializing products in the country.
Intellectual property as part of an investment strategy
At Merida IP, we help businesses identify, protect and structure their intellectual property assets before an investment round or expansion into the Mexican market.
Contact us to develop an IP strategy aligned with your business objectives.
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