Lucid Designs' working model is to approach potential licensees at the end-stage of our development process with what we call “Proof-of-Concept IP”. Proof-of-Concept IP is intellectual property developed to near completion, but for which regular patent applications have not yet been filed.

This approach benefits our licensees in a number of ways.

Allows for licensee customization and control
Reduces time-to-market and R&D costs
Extends the period of exclusivity in the marketplace
Allows for a world-wide IP strategy


Allows for licensee customization and control.

Our licensees, by definition, are experts in the field of the invention. Their experience, insight and market understanding is invaluable in order to adapt the IP to its intended market. Because we only enter into exclusive licenses, the strength of the patent filed will directly determine the strength of protection our licensees receive in their respective markets.

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Reduces time-to-market and R&D costs.

By the time we approach potential licensees, we have already invested a considerable amount of resources developing the invention to near completion. Compared to IP developed internally, our licensees are able to introduce product and obtain patent protection much more quickly and cost-effectively than they could on their own.

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Extends the period of exclusivity in the marketplace.

Utility patents in the U.S. are valid for 20 years from the filing date. Since it usually takes about two years for a patent to issue once it is filed, approaching licensees before a regular patent application has been filed can extend their exclusivity in the marketplace by up to 2 years. By filing the patent(s) just before the product(s) is offered for sale, our licensees have first-to-market advantage and patent pending status. Since competitors have no idea when the application was filed, they would be unlikely to invest in introducing a similar product when the patent's issuance could be imminent.

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Allows for a world-wide IP strategy.

Applications for foreign patents are required to be filed within a year of the domestic filing date. Therefore, a licensor has most likely forfeited their international rights if they approach a licensee with an already issued domestic patent. By filing domestically just before introducing product to the marketplace, our licensees can test product performance for up to a year and make more informed decisions regarding foreign filings.

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