IP 101 Masterclass with FPA Patent Attorneys
We were joined by FPA Patent Attorneys for a masterclass on the role of intellectual property (IP) in successful commercialisation.
The session unpacked the different types of IP - Copyright, Patents, Trademarks, Design registration and Trade Secrets - and explored concepts such as freedom to operate and the importance of patent claims, the heart of any patent.
An engaging discussion followed on the use of ‘AI as an inventor’ and how this impacts the patent, and what ethical questions this raises.
The session was followed by a practical workshop on patents and freedom to operate.
Guest Speaker: Jupiter AI’s Mo Jaimangal
Joining us virtually was JupiterAI’s founder Mo Jaimangal, who works at the intersection of healthcare and technology. Mo’s presentation demystified AI, outlining the differences between AI, Large Language Models (LLMs), and Agentic AI, while sharing best practices for making AI practical and understandable when applying it to a business
Prototyping and Testing Assumptions
We also explored how prototyping helps reduce the unknowns in innovation. The key question isn’t “Can we build this?”, but rather “Should we build this?”
Participants learned about lean prototypes and real-world examples like:
Zappos’ “Wizard of Oz” prototype, where the team manually fulfilled online shoe orders to validate the idea before bulk-purchasing stock to sell.
The cardboard Self-Triage Computer for Emergency Departments, which looked good as a concept, but failed in practice - proving the value of testing early.
Simulation studios are also a great way to validate assumptions and products – the University of Melbourne’s Validitron does exactly this with digital health ideas, helping innovators to test and validate their products in realistic healthcare environments before going to market. It’s team of experts operates from state-of-the-art simulation-based research facilities within the Melbourne Connect innovation precinct.
Building Business Models
To round out the session, participants were introduced to the Business Model Canvas — a simple but powerful tool to:
This month, we are launching our Accountability Squads - small online groups designed to help participants stay motivated, track progress, and share insights as they develop their solutions.
Each participant also received a copy of mentor Reuben Schwarz’s book, Choose Your Own Startup Disaster - a fitting companion for any innovator navigating the ups and downs of entrepreneurship.
We’ll leave you with a final thought from Alberto Savoia, a former Google Innovationist:
“Most innovations, businesses or ideas fail not because of failure in product development, but because of a lack of customers.”
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