PPTI webinar explores how businesses are leveraging IP to secure funding and drive innovation in alternative proteins

This week, Protein Production Technology International hosted a webinar titled 'Using IP to Attract Investment and Build Business Value'. Sponsored by HGF, the session provided actionable insights for businesses navigating the intersection of intellectual property (IP) and the rapidly evolving alternative protein industry. With contributions from patent attorneys, venture capitalists, and entrepreneurs, the discussion underscored how a strategic approach to IP can strengthen business resilience and attract investor confidence.

Kerry Rees, Partner and Patent Attorney at HGF, opened the session with an overview of the IP landscape. “Aligning IP with business objectives is critical,” Rees said, emphasizing that IP strategies should be integrated into a company’s business plan. He highlighted four pillars of IP management: capture, assessment, monetization, and enforcement. Rees noted that investors scrutinize how businesses manage IP risks and align their strategies with commercial goals, stating, “Focus on the real core things and use your money wisely for IP.”

Rees’ points resonated with Jennifer Bailey, also a Partner at HGF. Bailey highlighted the importance of filing patent applications at the right time, ensuring that the necessary data supports the claims. “If you go ahead too early and you’ve not got the supporting data, your application might fail. But if you leave it too late, someone might get there before you,” she cautioned. Bailey advised startups to consult IP professionals early to develop a tailored strategy that aligns with their commercial plans.

Kasia Gil, Principal at ICOS Capital, provided a venture capitalist’s view on IP in the alternative protein sector. She described IP as a cornerstone of investment decisions, offering protection for innovations and enhancing company valuation. “A strong IP portfolio not only provides a competitive edge by protecting innovations but also opens up additional revenue streams such as licensing and partnerships,” Gil explained.

However, she stressed that IP should not be considered in isolation. Investors look for alignment between IP strategies and broader business goals. “IP is important, but it must be part of a broader strategic vision,” she noted, adding that trade secrets often play an equally important role in protecting sensitive innovations during early development phases.

For Dr Eran Noah, Founder of Noah IP and IP Mentor for the Good Food Institute, startups must avoid spreading their resources too thin when managing IP. “Small startups with limited budgets can’t afford to ‘spray and pray’ when it comes to patent filings. Focus on your core technologies—the ones that truly differentiate you from competitors. Quantity doesn’t equal quality when it comes to IP,” he advised. Noah encouraged startups to work closely with IP professionals to strategically protect their most valuable innovations while ensuring freedom to operate.

Entrepreneurs also shared their experiences with IP and how it shapes their business trajectories. Paul Shapiro, CEO of The Better Meat Co., discussed his company’s recent patent for a shelf-stable mycoprotein, which allows for ambient storage and eliminates the need for a cold chain. Shapiro emphasized the practical importance of IP, noting that it signals innovation to partners and investors alike. “We aim to create something worth protecting—something that has real economic value. Our recent patents demonstrate our focus on innovation that’s practical, scalable, and game-changing for partners,” he explained.

Severin Eder, Co-founder of Catchfree, echoed these sentiments, sharing how his company developed a sequential approach to IP protection. Catchfree prioritizes safeguarding its innovations through trade secrets during early R&D stages and progresses to patents for specific process steps. “Having a clear and transparent IP strategy is essential to align with investors and stakeholders,” Eder noted. He highlighted the importance of building a network of advisors and industry peers to navigate the complexities of IP in the alternative protein space.

The panelists identified several common pitfalls in IP management for companies in alternative proteins. Bailey pointed to inadequate data as a frequent issue, noting that companies often aim for broad protection but lack the experimental evidence to support such claims. “The more exemplification you can have across the scope that you want to protect, the better,” she advised.

Rees added that while securing patents is important, companies should avoid filing for IP that does not align with their core business objectives. “Keep asking why all the time. Why am I filing this patent application? Why do we need this?” he urged.

Noah stressed the importance of balancing ambition with feasibility. “Don’t rush to file patents without proof of concept or working prototypes. Ensure that what you’re protecting has substantial potential for commercialization,” he said.

The webinar emphasized that a well-executed IP strategy is more than a legal safeguard—it is a driver of growth and innovation. Bailey summed up the discussion by noting, “Get advice early on… to ensure your IP is aligned with your business and to maximize your chances of succeeding.”

For investors like Gil, a robust IP portfolio not only provides confidence but also positions companies for long-term success. Similarly, entrepreneurs like Shapiro and Eder highlighted how IP enables their businesses to scale, forge partnerships, and compete in a crowded market.

The alternative protein sector’s rapid innovation presents unique challenges and opportunities for IP management. By focusing on strategic alignment, securing key innovations, and engaging with experts, companies can navigate this complex landscape and build a strong foundation for sustainable growth.

The full discussion will be featured in the Q1 2025 edition of Protein Production Technology International, providing further insights for stakeholders across the alternative protein value chain.