Intellectual Property Protection

Intellectual property is playing an increasingly important role in cannabis industry acquisitions and other deals as businesses look to get a leg up on rivals by purchasing or investing in companies holding valuable patents, trade secrets, copyrights and trademarks.

The importance of IP for cannabis companies cannot be overstated – as the industry moves into the mainstream, intellectual property will be as central to cannabinoid market participants as it is to traditional pharmaceutical, tobacco, cosmetic and food and beverage firms.

Intellectual Property is adds value and differentiation:

• For start-ups it can make or break a company in terms of whether it can be sold for premium;

• It is a means by which it can demonstrate that it is superior to its competitors.

What can be protected?

There are perhaps four major categories in which a cannabis grower, processor or product manufacturer might be able to file a patent for a cannabis product or business:

• Characterization of the cannabis compounds in terms of how they engage with human endocannabinoid receptors;

• Medical marijuana products and processes – specifically, methods of treating diseases with cannabinoids;

• Cannabis compositions or drug formulations; and,

• Methods of preparation.

If you would like to discuss how you might protect your business, your value and your future, make contact with The Canna Consultants.