Intellectual Property Assessment: SDG-Supported Innovation Protection Framework
Purpose
This assessment is designed to help you evaluate how your venture can protect its innovation using appropriate intellectual property (IP) strategies.
Unlike traditional approaches that focus only on legal protection, this framework integrates:
- business value creation
- innovation strategy
- ethical considerations
- sustainability and accessibility
This template does NOT determine whether your idea “requires” IP protection.
Instead, it helps you understand how IP can support your venture responsibly and strategically.
Instructions
✔ Be clear about what makes your idea unique
✔ Consider both protection and accessibility
✔ Reflect on ethical implications of restricting or sharing knowledge
✔ Align IP decisions with long-term business and impact goals
🔹 1. Venture Innovation Overview
- Describe the core idea, product, or brand element
- What makes this idea unique?
- Is innovation technological, creative, or brand-based?
Optional SDG Reflection:
How does responsible innovation strengthen trust or inclusion?
🔹 2. Intellectual Property Options Review
- Trademark — name, logo, brand identity
- Copyright — creative content, media, or written materials
- Patent — inventions or technical processes
- Trade Secret — confidential processes or knowledge
🔹 3. Fit Analysis for This Venture
- Which IP types apply to your idea and why?
- What value does protection create (brand trust, competitive edge, innovation)?
- What risks exist if protection is not used?
- Ethical considerations when protecting knowledge or innovation
🔹 4. Responsible Innovation Reflection
- Does IP protection encourage fair competition?
- How does protection balance innovation with accessibility?
- Are there equity or inclusion considerations?
🔹 5. Intellectual Property Reflection (Not a Judgment)
- Selected IP protections
- Short justification aligned with business goals
- Steps required to implement protection
- Future monitoring or renewal considerations
