Attracting Investment : Investors often see patents, including international patents, as an indicator of a startup’s value and growth potential. Patents can make a startup more attractive to investors by demonstrating the africa whatsapp number uniqueness and marketability of the product or technology ( TechCrunch ) ( Zen Business ) . Market Expansion and Partnerships : If a startup plans to expand into international markets or enter into partnerships with foreign companies, having patents in those jurisdictions can protect against intellectual property theft and create a more favorable negotiating position.

( TechCrunch ) . The Counterargument Cost vs. Benefit : The cost of obtaining and maintaining international patents can be prohibitive, especially for startups with limited budgets. These costs include not only the initial filing fees but also translations, legal fees, and maintenance fees over the lifetime of the patent.