Ideas are everywhere. But protecting them? That’s where the real story begins.
Welcome to The Patent Room, a space where innovation meets insight. Whether you are an aspiring inventor, a founder building something extraordinary, or just someone curious about how the world of patents works, this series is designed for you. We are not here to throw legal jargon or heavy handbooks your way. Instead, we are pulling back the curtain on the patent world one story, one myth, one question at a time.
Understanding IP is not just for lawyers and corporates; it is for anyone who dares to create.
So, grab your curiosity. Take a seat. The door to The Patent Room is officially Open.
The Power of Protection, even in the 1800s
In the mid-18th century, a Scottish instrument maker named James Watt was working as a technician at the University of Glasgow. One day, he was handed a model of Thomas Newcomen’s steam engine, the best of its time, and asked to fix it.
He did not just fix it. He reimagined it.
Watt saw how inefficient the existing design was, and he built a separate condenser system that dramatically improved performance, reducing fuel use by nearly 75%.
He could’ve left it at that. After all, it was just a side project.
But instead, Watt made a decision that would change history: He filed a patent in 1769 (GB1769/913) titled:
“A New Method of Lessening the Consumption of Steam in Steam Engines.”
That one document turned his weekend tinkering into a multi-crore empire.
What Happened Next?
Watt partnered with entrepreneur Matthew Boulton, and together they formed Boulton & Watt, the world’s first true engineering firm.
Thanks to the patent:
- They licensed their engine technology across Britain,
- Created royalty-based revenue streams, and
- Outpaced competitors who couldn’t legally copy Watt’s design.
Within a few decades, their business had:
- Supplied over 500 steam engines to mines, mills, breweries, and factories,
- Amassed fortunes, and
- Played a key role in powering the Industrial Revolution.
Watt became a legend not just because he was a genius but because he knew how to protect what he created.
What Today’s Founders Can Learn
Watt’s story is not just historical trivia. It’s a timeless lesson for everyone:
- Inventor,
- Startup founder,
- Garage innovator,
- Or a developer with a clever feature.
Your idea, no matter how small or early, deserves protection.
Imagine if Watt had waited to patent his design until he built the perfect engine. Or thought, “It’s just a tweak. Why patent it?” His invention could’ve been copied freely. His business? Never born.
How a Patent Changes the Game
- Grants exclusive rights to your invention
- Blocks competitors from replicating it
- Becomes a powerful asset for funding, licensing, or acquisition
And yes, even today, one patent can launch an empire.
Whether you’re building a hardware product, an app interface, a machine learning algorithm, or a sustainable energy device, you don’t have to be James Watt to take the first step.
You just have to treat your creation like it matters.
For Modern Inventors: Your “Watt Moment” Could Be Now
Are you working on something “on the side”? Are you improving a process, designing a prototype, or experimenting with code?
That could be your James Watt moment.
And if you let it slip away unprotected, you may end up like the many other tinkerers of Watt’s time who got left behind.
The Bottom Line: Protect What You Build
A great invention is powerful. But a protected invention is profitable.
“So, before you launch, pitch, post, or present your idea – patent it.”
That side hustle you are building today? It might just be your multi-crore story in the making.
Your ideas deserve more than just recognition—they deserve protection that builds lasting value. At R K Dewan & Co., we go beyond basic patent filing to create a strong, enforceable foundation for your innovations. With 79+ years of specialized experience in intellectual property, our team of 175+ professionals delivers a full spectrum of patent services—from in-depth prior art searches and patentability assessments to drafting, filing, prosecution, opposition, and litigation support.
We understand that every invention carries its own potential to shape industries and open new markets. That’s why we craft strategies that do more than secure your rights—we position your patents as key assets for licensing, fundraising, technology transfer, and global expansion. Our network spans 125+ jurisdictions, ensuring your IP is protected and enforced where it matters most.