Intellectual property (IP) decisions should be made on a case-by-case basis.
There are some good reasons for insuring your IP is protected over and above preventing competitors from copying your products, technical processes or services.
IP protection can also help you create a corporate identity through a branding strategy; negotiate licensing, franchising and other IP-based contractual agreements; increase the market value of the business; acquire venture capital and enhance access to finance; and obtain access to new markets.
But recently there have been some notable exceptions to the rule.