Protecting your idea in an i-DEPOT

You have an idea for an invention, a prototype, or a design, and you want to register it. But you cannot take out a patent for just an idea. And in some cases, you don’t have to register your right: it is automatically acknowledged once you publish your work. Copyright is one example. Still, in some situations, it can be helpful to be able to prove that you were the first to come up with an idea. For instance, in a legal dispute. You can do that if you register your idea in an i-DEPOT, which is managed by the Benelux Office for Intellectual Property.

How does it work?

If you create a MyBOIP account, you can register your idea in an i-DEPOT. Upload a description and, if applicable, a drawing or design to clarify your idea. You can register your idea for 5 or 10 years. The fees involved can be found on the BOIP website.

You can also deposit a product or service for which you have not yet registered your IP right, for instance by applying for a patent. This may be useful if you want to show your product or service to potential investors or pre-launch it at a trade show.

Once you have registered your idea in i-DEPOT, you can use it as evidence in case of a legal dispute. In Europe, the courts will always admit an i-DEPOT as evidence. In other countries, the judges decide whether they will admit the evidence or not.

And what if I develop the idea?

Once you develop your idea into a service or product, you need to find out if you have to take out a patent or other form of intellectual property protection. Being able to prove that you stored the idea in an i-DEPOT does not protect your product or service. See the content about patents and intellectual property, or contact the BOIP or Netherlands Patent Office (RVO).