Modular manufacturing as a smart path to innovations and patents
In a series of columns, Marco Coolen gives an insight into his work as Dutch and European patent attorney at AOMB.
Published on December 29, 2024
Different patents for different modules, ai-generated image
After having graduated from his study at the TU/e Eindhoven in 1998, Marco entered into service at Philips. In 2003, he successfully finished his MBA, after which he filled different technical and commercial management positions at Philips and Océ. Since September 2013, he has been working at AOMB as a patent attorney. He is registered as a Dutch and European Patent attorney since 2017. On IO+, he shares his knowledge on the world of patents. How do they work, why are they important, but also: when do they lose their usefulness?
Protecting innovations with patents often feels irrelevant for many manufacturing companies that mainly produce customer-specific products or one-offs. Production is too small-scale, too diverse, and doesn't seem suited to reap the benefits of patenting. But what if there is a simple way to change that? By switching to a modular approach, you can improve your production processes, and patenting suddenly becomes a strategically interesting option.
What is modular manufacturing?
Modular manufacturing means dividing your products or production process into standardized parts (modules) that can be flexibly adapted or combined to meet specific customer requirements. For example, consider a machine builder who uses standard components but configures them for each customer's unique needs. This gives you tremendous flexibility as a company while benefiting from economies of scale.
The World of Patents
With the help of Dutch and European patent attorney Marco Coolen (AOMB) we get a better understanding of the world of patents. How do they work, why are they important, but also: when do they lose their usefulness?
View The World of Patents SeriesModular manufacturing and patenting go hand in hand
A modular approach creates an interesting situation: you can patent the standard modules while customer-specific modifications remain flexible. Protecting the modules ensures that your core innovations are safe from imitation while your customized solutions continue to attract customers.
Modular production also offers other advantages that make patenting more attractive. Standardizing makes your production process more efficient and faster, reducing costs and shortening lead times. It also makes it easier to innovate in collaboration with suppliers and partners. They can participate in developing reusable modules, which benefits the quality and functionality of your products.
A stronger market position
A modular approach makes your production process run more smoothly and strengthens your market position. By patenting specific modules, you create unique value that is difficult for competitors to copy. This can help you retain your customers and attract new customers looking for innovative solutions.
Moreover, modular manufacturing makes your business future-proof. In a world where demand is changing ever faster, modularity gives you the flexibility to move with it without having to reinvent the wheel every time. And that flexibility is exactly what companies need to grow sustainably.
The natural step to patenting
By producing in a modular way, patenting becomes a logical and valuable step. You protect the modules that form the foundation of your production while, at the same time, you can continue to innovate and respond to customer needs. It's a combination that ensures more efficient use of resources, greater competitive advantage, and a stronger position in the marketplace.