International IP: How to Protect Your Rights Beyond U.S. Borders

Episode Summary:

In this episode of Infringe at Your Own Risk, patent attorney Randall Bateman breaks down what inventors and businesses need to know about protecting their ideas and brands beyond U.S. borders. He explains why U.S. patents and trademarks don’t automatically apply worldwide, how international treaties like the PCT and Madrid Protocol simplify the filing process, and how to avoid costly mistakes when expanding into global markets. Randall also shares insights on how to safeguard your intellectual property from copycats and counterfeiters, and the key steps every business should take before going international.

Key Timestamps:

00:00 – Why international IP protection matters for growing businesses. 01:00 – Randall explains why patents and trademarks only apply within the country where they’re registered. 02:00 – How allowing a foreign distributor to own your trademark can cost you control of your brand. 03:00 – Why most countries require filing before any public disclosure to maintain patent rights. 04:30 – How others can register your brand overseas if you don’t act first. 06:00 – How to choose which countries are worth protecting based on your long-term market goals. 07:30 – How the PCT helps delay costs and streamline the international patent process. 09:00 – Early search reports, faster processing, and easier entry into multiple countries. 11:00 – How to simplify and reduce costs for trademark filings across several countries. 13:30 – How design patents can be filed efficiently through international cooperation. 15:00 – How international agreements are reducing bureaucracy and improving IP processes. 16:30 – Practical steps to protect your brand from global copycats and trademark squatters. 18:00 – Legal Penalties: Why counterfeiting can lead to criminal penalties in many countries.

About the Show: Infringe at Your Own Risk features registered patent attorney Randall Bateman, who helps businesses protect and profit from their ideas through patents, trademarks, and copyrights. Each episode explains the legal side of innovation with real-world guidance to help creators and entrepreneurs safeguard what they’ve built.