Sports

Securing Innovation for Performance, Safety, and the Future of Athletics

The sports industry is a hub of rapid innovation—whether you’re developing cutting-edge gear, smart training technology, or performance-enhancing materials. But in a competitive market, protecting these breakthroughs with a strong patent strategy isn’t optional; it’s essential.

At Johnston IP Law, we help sports innovators turn big ideas into protected assets. From startups designing the next game-changing wearable to established brands evolving athletic equipment, we guide you through the patent process with clarity and foresight. 

Patentable Innovations in Sports

We help clients secure patents for a broad range of sports technologies, including:
Performance Equipment

Training systems, ergonomic gear, enhanced sporting goods

Safety Technology

Advanced helmet designs, impact-reducing materials, injury-prevention tools

Smart Tech Integration

Sensors, data-driven apps, AI for training optimization

Athletic Apparel & Materials

Technical fabrics, manufacturing processes, embedded components

Patent Requirements at a Glance

To be eligible for patent protection, your invention must be:
Novel

New and not previously disclosed

Non-Obvious

An inventive step beyond existing technology

Useful

Deliver a functional benefit, such as improved performance, safety, or training

Types of Patents for Sports Products

Utility Patents

Protect how your product works (e.g., smart training shoes, shock-absorbing tech)

Design Patents

Cover the unique appearance of sports gear or devices

Provisional Patents

Secure an early filing date while finalizing development

The Sports Patent Process

To be eligible for patent protection, your invention must be:
1. Patent Search

Evaluate prior art and assess patentability (optional)

2. Strategy Development

Identify what to protect and when

3. Drafting

Craft precise claims and technical descriptions

4. USPTO Filing

Submit the patent application and manage correspondence

5. Examination

Respond to office actions and refine your claims

6. Issuance

Secure your patent and enforce your rights

7. Ongoing Management

Maintain and monitor as your business evolves

How Johnston IP Law Supports Sports Innovators

At Johnston IP Law, we do more than file patents—we build protection strategies tailored to your innovation and growth path. Whether you’re a first-time inventor, design engineer, or product leader at a major brand, we’ll help you protect your IP with precision.

We bring deep experience in sports innovation, including:

Pre-launch consultation
Custom filing strategies
Global patent portfolio management
Licensing and support
Ready to Take the Next Step?

Let’s talk about protecting your invention and positioning your business to win in a competitive industry.
Contact Johnston IP Law today for a complimentary discovery consultation.