HOW TO PREPARE THE PERFECT PITCH FOR IP AND PATENT LICENSING

Pitching a new invention is more than simply explaining what you have created. It is about capturing attention, proving the need, demonstrating the solution and showing why your idea is commercially viable. A great pitch builds confidence in your invention and persuades investors, licensees or partners to take action.

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START WITH A HOOK

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• GRAB ATTENTION

 

Begin with a strong opening that makes your audience sit up and listen. This could be a surprising statistic, a striking problem or a short story that illustrates the issue your invention solves. For example, “Every year businesses lose £2 billion due to inefficiencies that this device eliminates.” Such statements quickly frame the need for your invention.

 

• ELEVATOR PITCH

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Always prepare a concise 30-second version of your pitch. In simple language explain what your invention is, the problem it solves and why it matters. This quick summary should spark curiosity and encourage your audience to want to hear more.

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CLEARLY DEFINE THE PROBLEM

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• IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM

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Make sure the audience clearly understands the challenge your invention addresses. Use relatable examples and everyday scenarios where possible. A pitch that connects the problem to real-world frustrations immediately builds relevance.

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• REAL-WORLD RELEVANCE

 

Explain why the problem matters today. Show the scale of the issue, the cost of ignoring it or the lost opportunities it creates. Make the pain points clear so the audience sees your invention as essential rather than optional.

 

PRESENT THE SOLUTION

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• DESCRIBE THE INVENTION

 

Explain in plain language how your invention works and why it solves the problem effectively. Avoid technical jargon unless your audience requires it.

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• HIGHLIGHT KEY FEATURES

 

Focus on what makes your invention unique. These could be cost savings, speed, improved safety, better performance or environmental benefits. Emphasise why your invention stands out compared to existing alternatives.

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• SHOW HOW IT WORKS

 

Whenever possible, use visual aids. A prototype, demo video, diagram or live demonstration can make the concept more tangible and persuasive. People believe what they can see in action.

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ESTABLISH THE MARKET POTENTIAL

 

• TARGET AUDIENCE

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Identify who benefits most from your invention. Be specific about demographics, industries or professional sectors. Tailoring your pitch to a clearly defined audience makes it more compelling.

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• MARKET SIZE

Provide credible data that shows a genuine market opportunity. Use industry reports, surveys or case studies that demonstrate real demand and growing trends.

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• COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE

Show how your invention performs better than current solutions. Highlight benefits such as ease of use, lower cost, improved results or new capabilities. Make it clear why customers would choose your invention over alternatives.

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EXPLAIN THE BUSINESS MODEL

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• REVENUE STREAMS

Describe how your invention generates income. This could be through product sales, licensing deals, subscriptions or integration into existing services.

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• PRICING STRATEGY

Explain how you plan to price the product and why it offers strong value. Position your pricing against competitors or show how customers save money by adopting your solution.

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• SCALABILITY

Show the potential for growth. This could include additional product variations, expansion into new markets or partnerships that increase reach. Scalability demonstrates long-term value for investors or partners.

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VALIDATE YOUR INVENTION

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• PROTOTYPES AND TESTING

Share evidence that your invention works. Positive results from trials, prototypes or user testing increase credibility and reduce perceived risk.

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• PATENTS AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

Mention any patents, patent applications or IP protections that secure your invention. This reassures investors or licensees that your idea is protected and defensible.

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• PARTNERS AND ADVISORS

Highlight any experts, advisors or respected industry figures who support your invention. Their involvement provides credibility and confidence.

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ADDRESS THE CHALLENGES

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• OVERCOME OBJECTIONS

Anticipate questions or doubts and address them before they are raised. If your invention is more expensive than alternatives, explain why the value justifies the cost. If production is complex, describe your plan for scaling up manufacturing.

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• RISK MITIGATION

Explain how you will reduce risks. This might include phased rollouts, manufacturing partnerships, regulatory approvals or pilot programmes. Showing foresight reassures your audience.

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CALL TO ACTION

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• WHAT ARE YOU SEEKING ?

Be clear about what you want from the audience. State whether you are looking for investment, licensing agreements, strategic partnerships or initial customers.

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• CREATE URGENCY

Explain why now is the right time. This could be due to favourable market trends, regulatory changes, technological shifts or immediate demand. Urgency motivates decision-making.

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ENGAGE THE AUDIENCE

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• INVITE QUESTIONS

Encourage questions to show you are open, confident and ready to engage. Listening carefully and answering clearly builds trust.

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• PROVIDE THE NEXT STEPS

Guide the conversation to a clear outcome. Suggest a follow-up meeting, a technical demo or providing detailed documents. Always leave the audience with a clear reason and opportunity to move forward.

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SUMMARY

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A successful pitch for a new invention balances clarity, evidence and persuasion. It starts with a strong hook, defines the problem, presents the solution, demonstrates market potential and explains the business model. It validates the invention, addresses challenges and finishes with a clear call to action. By structuring your pitch carefully and supporting it with data, visuals and confidence, you can inspire your audience and secure the support you need to bring your invention to market.

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